In 2010, a group of our parishioners saw a need in the community-people were hungry. The numbers are staggering. Over 200 families seek assistance from United Christian Ministries each month for food, household goods and other financial needs.
The group, took a look at an unused plot of land directly behind our church building. Owned by First Citizens Bank, we could see that it was of little use to them but its southern exposure made it the perfect garden site. Our dream was to turn this small plot of land into a vegetable garden that would provide fresh vegetables to the clients of United Christian Ministries and The Community Table. We were given permission by First Citizens Bank in March 2010. We then received a grant from the diocesan Human Hurt and Hope fund in the amount of $2,200 which enabled us to purchase 12 raised beds, quality soil and compost, seeds and seedlings to begin our project. The rest, as the saying goes, is history.
The fruits of our labors have been incredible: this spring we harvested kale and some seriously ginormous onions. The summer if all goes well (and we outsmart our resident groundhog) we will harvest tomatoes, beans and peppers.
Bag after bag of fresh produce is added to the boxes of non-perishable foods that are distributed by United Christian Ministries.
We are very grateful to the kind people at First Citizens Bank for letting us put this small slice of land to good use, helping to feed the hungry in our midst.
Generally, we work in the garden, in season, on Mondays and Fridays and are usually there by 10 a.m. If you would like to get involved, we would love to have you. All you need to do is show up, ready to work. If you do not know much about gardening, it is also a great learning opportunity.
If you can’t come on Monday or Friday morning, the plants are always thirsty. Stop by anytime to water or weed! If you do, please log your activity in the Garden Log, which is located in the shed.
See you in the garden!
Want to get invovled? Please reach out to Paul Busick at flygolf66@gmail.com or Joe Butler at judaculla3037@gmail.com.
