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Former Football Player Starting Community Garden In Flint

FLINT, Mich. (AP) - A former University of Michigan football player is teaming up with other athletes and fans to create a community garden in Flint.

Vincent Smith and several fellow athletes started the Team Gardens program three years ago in his home state of Florida as a way to provide fresh produce to residents. MLive.com reports that Smith became interested in starting a garden in Flint after learning about the city's shrinking fresh food options while playing alongside Flint natives Thomas Rawls and Justice Hayes.

More than a dozen volunteers helped clear lots donated by a fan in Flint on Sunday afternoon. Fruits and vegetables will be planted in April and then offered for free to residents.

Smith was a running back for the University of Michigan from 2009 to 2012.

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