Garden for the Community

It's hard to listen to NPR or pick up the newspaper anymore without hearing about the economic woes we are supposedly facing. I recently landed a secure state job (the best I've ever had), but I can't but help feeling vulnerable to the increasing prices of food and fuel. I can't imagine to trying to live off of the wages that I earned not too long ago. The dollar or food stamp dollar doesn't go as far as it used to. With that said, it's no wonder that the food banks and soup kitchens are getting slammed harder than ever. Many food banks are urging local farmers and gardeners to donate fresh veggies to add variety to the canned veggies, old bread, and cheap peanut butter they hand out. I just came across this article that speaks more on the issue.

Well here in Sandpoint, a group of locals are attempting to give back to the community. We were given the opportunity to garden on an empty lot in town. At our first meeting, because of the number of individuals seemed larger than the plot would allow, we decided that the food grown would be donated to the local food bank. Of course we're all free to snag a few fresh veggies, but since the garden isn't large enough for us all to do much preserving it would be best to donate what is harvested.

Our nominated "leader" has done a terrific job of collecting donations of plant starts, compost, funds, and even wood for a fence. I've been so busy with my job and our other garden I haven't had as much time to offer as I would like, but I plan on helping more with the fall crop (I will be starting tons of brassicas for late summer planting). Hopefully this trend will catch on with more lots in the community. It would be wonderful if more of us have the chance to eat fresh local food without the high price tag.

Breaking Ground Mid May (KIA and I are off to the left)