S.C. Leg. Wayne Horsley announces a "Recession Garden" initiative at the home of Ms. Alline and Mrs. Joy Torrey, along with Leg. DuWayne Gregory. S.C. Leg. Wayne Horsley (D-Babylon) and some local residents teamed up to announce a Grow Green, Save Green initiative urging the public to revive the World War II practice of Victory Gardens to combat the down economy. Horsley dubbed the new initiative "Recession Gardens."

Horsley announced legislation requiring that low-income families be advised that they may use food stamps to purchase seeds and plants at their local supermarket. Horsley made his announcement standing next to a "Recession Garden" planted by Babylon residents Alline and Joy Torrey, who brought the idea to Horsley's attention.

"TheGrow Green, Save Green initiative is an economic way to weather the effects of a recession that also does something healthy for our bodies and environment," Horsley said. "A 'Recession Garden' is also incredibly cost-effective; a dollar in seeds grows $25 dollars in produce. This is welcome news for garden-savvy middle and low-income families. In fact, low-income families can use the food stamp program to purchase seeds and plants that produce food for consumption. Economics aside, all residents are encouraged to home garden as it is healthy, environmentally-friendly, and fun," Horsley concluded.

"Our interest in planting a 'Recession Garden' took root in a number of ways," said Alline and Joy Torrey. "As a high school history teacher it dawned on me that the Victory Gardens of World War II were ripe for a comeback. ThenFirst Lady Michelle Obama planted a great 'how-to' example at the White House. And finally, with summer approaching it just seemed like an enjoyable activity to undertake." Alline and Joy Torrey have already planted a "Recession Garden" at their Babylon Village home. "We never got into this thinking we are going to save a lot of money, but we will and that's great too."