By Khalida Sarwari
San Jose City Councilman Ash Kalra is going green in honor of Earth Day on Friday by installing an organic vegetable garden in his backyard.
“Growing your own organic vegetables is a great way to help reduce the carbon footprint traditionally required for food production and transportation,” Kalra said in a statement. “Additionally, having access to healthy food in your own backyard is great for your body and budget.”
Members of La Mesa Verde, a Sacred Heart Community Services program, will install in Kalra’s backyard a raised planter box containing heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries, which are expected to yield an estimated five pounds of produce to supplement household meals.
La Mesa Verde’s mission is to help low-income families grow organic vegetables in their own homes. As for its program, La Mesa Verde identifies low-income households and then sends community volunteers to install vegetable gardens in their yards.
La Mesa Verde also provides classes with master gardeners on maintaining an organic vegetable garden.
Friday’s event will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.