NATCHEZ — Behind the Angelety House in Jack Waite Park members of the St. Catherine Neighborhood Watch have brought the community together to grow a community garden.

The garden has fed approximately 100 people with fresh produce such as mustard greens, bell peppers and squash.

The harvested produce is delivered to many elderly residents in the community.

“We try to serve all those the best we can,” said Felicia Irving, ward 4 Natchez alderwoman, who helped organize the effort.

Penny Rachal, who has lived in the community for 25 years, said the garden is a great way to give back.

“That’s what it is all about for the community to come together and help each other,” Rachal said.

Eventually, Irving said, the group hopes to get community youth involved in the garden. They plan to start by having students come for educational field trips to give them hands-on experience to help them understand how to grow vegetables.

Irving said she hopes the community garden becomes a tradition, and she encourages children and their parents to participate and to eat fresh foods.

“The overall health of the community is important,” Irving said. “If we have healthier people, we have people living longer. Then we can do more for our community.”