The State MP said the Best Employment gardening program was established early last year to help develop the social skills of people with a disability in Inverell and is now successfully growing vegetables to distribute to the community’s elderly population.

“The Best Food Garden is proving to be a great success as it not only provides elderly residents with a supply of fresh vegetables but gives those working here an opportunity to be actively and productively engaged in a community activity,” Mr Marshall said.

“Unfortunately, because they haven’t had onsite storage facilities they have lost some of their produce so this cool room will be a great asset to the group and I was pleased to be able to support their application for funding.”

Best Food Garden Production Manager Danny Middleton was delighted to receive the funding and thanked Mr Marshall for his support.

“The vegetables we’ve been growing are being delivered to the elderly so this cool room will not only minimise wastage but will help retain the nutritional value of the produce,” Mr Middleton said.

“With the high cost of living, pensioners are really struggling to keep on top of their expenses so to be able to save them a little bit of money by providing them with fresh vegetables is a great outcome for our program.

“It’s also providing an excellent opportunity for our workers who have a disability to interact with the older members of our community, it’s helping break down old age barriers, it’s great to see.”

Mr Marshall said he was pleased to announce the funding after Mr Middleton had approached him about the project about six months ago.

“Danny and his team do a magnificent job and I’m looking forward to coming back again soon to help deliver some of the produce from the garden to the community,” he said.

“I’m also hoping to convince Mayor Paul Harmon and Senator John Williams to come along and give me a hand.”