The city of Grambling and Grambling State University have started a community garden with fresh vegetables for citizens and students early this month following a 'Keep Louisiana Beautiful' grant of $3,300.

"Student volunteers will learn about gardening from community volunteers who are familiar with the process," said Rory L. Bedford, director of the Office of Service Learning at Grambling State University. "The volunteers will participate in light tilling, fertilizing, planting and fence building."

Kassandra Merritt, 18, a freshman mass communications major has decided to volunteer for the project to collect service-learning hours and credits that will ultimately strengthen her resume.

Connie Walton, the university's provost and vice president for academic affairs said that in order to earn service-learning credit, one has to commit oneself to 80 community service hours.

Bedford said that the community garden will improve the quality of life for students while facilitating social interaction, promoting self-reliance and providing nutritious food such as greens, peas, tomatoes, squash and onions.

He said that around 50 students will take part in developing the garden including planting, tiling the soil and harvesting the vegetables.

In addition, they will also be asked to maintain the garden and do weeding.

Ardeann Williams, 21, a sophomore social work major from New Orleans, has agreed to work on the project saying that this project will teach her how to properly take care of plants.

Volunteers were told not to commit to the project during scheduled classes as they will not be excused from attending the lectures.

"We hope to have a large majority of the student body will take advantage of the opportunity to give back to the community through this project," Bedford said. "There is enough work to find something for all to do."