WILMINGTON, Ohio (AP) -- A project by a local college is helping an Ohio community hard-hit by the recession grow some of its own food.
Wilmington College provided 20 garden plots in Wilmington after DHL Express decided last year to close its operation in the southwest Ohio city, putting most of the 8,000 Wilmington Air Park employees out of work.
Local unemployment has soared to 15 percent.
Food pantries and other charities reported surging demand, so the school decided it could have a lasting impact by teaching people to garden.
The "Grow Food, Grow Hope" program began in late spring in a grassy lot next to a college parking lot.
The 20 initial families were identified with the help of social services agencies.
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