According to the most recent numbers, one in five children in the state go to bed hungry every night. In an effort to fight hunger, two local brothers are planting an idea they hope will help.
The concept behind the "Garden of Hope" is centered around neighbor helping neighbor.
Jon and Zach Mahaffey are spending their days sweating it out, in a continued effort to pound out hunger. The brothers are cultivating a unique idea dedicated to giving back to the community. The food grown will provide fresh produce to the Harvest Hope Food Bank.
"Everyone can donate money," said garden creator Zach Mahaffey. "If you're out doing something you feel more accomplished when you see your garden blooming."
The brothers have gone door to door in Columbia, asking residents to use their backyards to plant the free vegetable gardens.
"Zach and I have been looking for something to do," said garden creator Jon Mahaffey. "We know how to do it, so we will go from here."
People like Sarah Schwartz and Natalie Jensen quickly jumped on board, offering up their yards to help those in need.
"We have plenty of yard space; we're not using it, so it felt nice to use it productively," said Sarah Schwartz.
"I think we should always do what we can do to help our neighbors and support people," said Natalie Jensen.
The family effort is a labor of love, that will help feed other families throughout the Midlands.
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