Beans and More Grow
at the Food Bank Garden
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“This project has changed my life. Although I always wanted to grow food, this
is the first time I ever had the chance to learn”
Situ Shresha, participant
“Adopt a Box” Program
Situ Shresha is among 20 adult, 10
youth and 15 children who are participated in a project of the Betty and
Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden. For three years the “Adopt
a Box” program provided a different kind of gardening for volunteers. It is
experimental, it is personal and it is proving to be a great success. Each individual or group was responsible for a
box filled with soil and compost. The project has evolved into a 23 raised bed garden and has extended the garden from March through September. It is also more user friendly for people with. physical challenges.
The overall purpose of the Food Bank Garden is
to grow nutritious and fresh vegetables and melons for Second Harvest Food Bank
of Northwest. With the support of
Centenary as well as enthusiastic volunteers, this raised bed garden will continue as
a fundamental part of the gardening options at the Food Bank Garden.
Using the raised box
method, a variety of food is grown, including tomatoes, cucumbers, squash,
beans and herbs.
Participants include:
A Centenary Lenten
Study Group
YMCA “Adventure
Princess” program (5 fathers and their 5 year old daughters)
Youth from The
Children’s Home Tyson Cottage
Two women who
recently moved to WS with farming background
garden club
A young woman
interested in learning to garden
A garden club
A Garden Mentor from
Forsyth County Corporative Extension
Rev. Jonathan Brake
Three participants
from the Coordinating Committee of the Food Bank Garden
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Centenary member
Jason Wenker recruited other fathers and daughters to join the project
When asked about their
participation, several participants responded:
Why did you get involved with the project
"Adopt a Box" and how did you hear about it?
“Our small group at church wanted a
meaningful mission that we could do around busy work and family schedules. We
wanted a way for our children to help others and see their parents doing the
same. We helped pick at the garden last year but the raised beds were a way to
have a more personal connection.” Elaine
Phelps
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Carol Holden’s granddaughter helps her
with weekly watering duty
“ I heard about the boxes
first through Centenary’s literature and having had such great success with my
own raised beds, I thought it would be a good way to contribute, help my
garden club members, and of course learn more.” Carol Holden
What does it mean to be part of a Food
Bank Garden?
“It is wonderful to know our hands-on
efforts will lead to needy families having healthy options for their meals. Bad
nutrition is so much more affordable and accessible than good. Organic produce
is especially out of reach for many families.” Elaine Phelps
“Not only
are we helping to feed those less fortunate, but you get closer to God
throughout the miracle of watching a plant grow. Soil, water, sunshine, bees
pollinating – truly a Godly miracle. It fills my heart to work hard for a
couple of hours, and within a few weeks, see what you have accomplished. Few
things in life bring immediate satisfaction, and the garden is one of them. I
enjoy watching the children play together and help with the garden. It teaches
them that food just doesn’t come from a can in the grocery store. You have to
work for what you want.” Chris Pace
What have you gained from the experience
(and that of your group)?
“I'm inspired to make more
container gardens at my home and plan for our own raised bed in the future. I have
also learned how excited kids can get about gardening!”
Elaine Phelps
“I have
gained a greater appreciation for all the volunteers, joy in seeing all
the beauty of the garden, and have also picked up some more knowledge about
gardening.
Carol Holden
“It’s a
mini vacation every time I visit the farm.
Meeting
new people with the same interest to serve. Not being so selfish with my time,
that I can’t spend a few hours to do what God put me here to do – SERVE OTHERS.
It opens my eyes and heart to help me see and feel my Heavenly Father.” Chris Pace
For more
information about this project and the schedule of the garden, see our website
at
Or call
Ellen Kirby at 336 922 7195 or Patsy Dwiggins at
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