Central Coast residents turn to growing their own produce during pandemic

MARINA, Calif. (KION) As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, food needs are becoming greater. To make ends meet, some residents on the Central Coast are trying their own hand at growing produce.

Greg Simmons has been growing his own fruits and vegetables for years, but now he's noticing more company.

"Expression somebody said was 'co-victory gardens,'" Simmons, a member of the Marina Tree and Garden Club, said. "And a lot of people are just really interested in gardening right now.

During the pandemic, it's an option not only for people worried about food supply in stores, but for those now unemployed or needing to save money.

“There are some simple ways to grow things at home that don’t cost much money,” Simmons said.

Thousands of people are waiting in line for food banks. Second Harvest said these home gardens can make life a little easier.

“We are able to distribute a lot of produce to the community," Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Development and Marketing Officer Suzanne Willis said. "But if you can grow your own, that just gives you a little more control, as well.”

But while the trend is a good option for anyone unemployed, it's not necessarily helpful for the agriculture industry.

“It’s a challenge out there for many in the region and many in the industry,” Grower-Shipper Association of Central California President Christopher Valadez said.

The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California said that, without restaurants to buy their product, farmers and their workers are struggling to sell their crops.

“We would encourage folks—as safely as they can—to continue to search out options at retail," Valadez said. "Just to ensure that the retailers know the demand is there for fresh produce.”

But local grower Simmons thinks there's a way to strike a balance.

“Do we think you should stop supporting local farmers or agriculture generally?" Simmons said. "No, I think that’s the last thing I think any of us thinks.”

He recommended using home-grown produce to supplement a diet and save some money.