An Eagle Scout needed a project, and with the help of a mentor, he designed and built a garden of five raised beds on the church grounds where they attended. I’m not sure they knew the impact this project was going to have when they began, but two years later, it is evident. This small, very productive, little garden of five raised beds produced all kinds of vegetables – not just for church members to enjoy, but for the entire community! This is truly a community project that has taken on many dimensions.
· Individuals have the option to sign up for space in the garden to provide the planting and care, with the whole community pitching in and doing their part to make this project a success. You’ll never see a weed in this garden. Too many people care!
· Children plant seeds and then take ownership of their plants. They experience the joy of eating the food they raised.
· All individuals are allowed to harvest from the garden regardless of need. (This is true giving without judging.)
· The fresh produce is a natural and healthy way for the church to supplement their food pantry that is composed mostly of canned and processed foods.
· People from the community will gather around the gardens for fellowship and to admire what God’s nature has produced.
· Maybe the most inspiring development is what many members of this church and community are doing. They are taking the lessons they have learned and seen from this garden to their back yards and are duplicating the process! They have simply gotten hooked on what fresh vegetables truly taste like.
· And finally, the lessons of sharing with others starts being felt as families begin sharing their excess with even more neighbors, and of course, anyone in need.

I feel so grateful to have personally witnessed, and been a part of, this wonderful project. It is so rewarding to see people come together and share in this manner. They’re getting back to God’s earth and realizing what He has given us, and this is so powerful. We just need to learn to be good stewards so no one has to go hungry.

Monica
Contact Author