A Bakersfield, CA church is helping members who are struggling economically by offering them a plot of land for a garden. They can then sell produce at a church farmers market. Senior Pastor Ron Vietti of Valley Bible Fellowship says 90 people have signed up for the program designed to empower the unemployed.

A member of the 10,000-strong congregation donated an acre of land and irrigation equipment. Participants sowed the first seeds over the weekend. The National Gardening Association says there will be a nearly 20 percent increase in gardening this year as people look for ways to cut food budgets.

Story via The Mercury News.