LACKAWANNA, NY – Volunteers worked for several hours in the scorching heat to plant seeds for Lackawanna’s second community garden Friday.

The garden is located behind Mount Olive Baptist Church.

“In the entire city of Lackawanna, there is no supermarket here,” said Pastor Keith Mobley of Mount Olive Baptist Church. “We have some corner stores and what not, but nothing for fresh produce.”

Lackawanna is considered a ‘food desert’ and a large number of the people that make up its 17,000 population count struggle to find health food options within walking distance.

Pastor Mobley and Senator Tim Kennedy joined leaders of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Lackawanna Community Garden and Blasdell Nursery to install the new garden.

"We want to make sure that  individuals and residents here in the city of Lackawanna have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and all sorts of healthy options," said Senator Kennedy.

The Senator sent a letter to several grocers including Aldi, PriceRite, Price Chopper, Stop & Shop and Lidl to encourage them to open stores within Lackawanna’s city limits.

Anyone wanting fresh produce from the garden can get it for free by visiting the church at 66 Wasson Avenue.