The food bank is fighting hunger in our community with better nutrition – locally grown, fresh food from our Raised Garden Beds.
For the 70,000 people in Chester County who lack the funds to buy the food they need, fresh produce is now available to them through our local food cupboards.
Our Raised Garden Bed program is 100% volunteer based. Volunteers from all over the county have partnered with our cause, constructing and tending to gardens. Their harvest is gathered and distributed to the local food cupboards where, along with non-perishable food items, residents who are hungry can get the food they need.
We Help Groups Make and Impact
In 2011, volunteers from over 73 different organizations joined our Raised Garden Bed Program. These groups included local schools, faith based organizations, social and businesses. The volunteers at the Chester County Food Bank worked with each organization to build, fill, plant and harvest organic produce. This year, over 272 beds were created that harvested over 1800 pounds of fresh vegetables as of the end of October.
The good work of our gardens reaches so many people. Here is news report from ABC about our gardens. (click here)
Get Involved this Spring
The growing season is a 28 week period and provides weekly gardening enjoyment for the families, social and work groups that care for a raised bed garden. The food bank staff can provide you with all the help you need to start a garden. Here is a brochure about our program: RaisedGardenBedBroch
If you questions or would like to get involved in our Raised Garden Beds, please contact Mary Kay Peterson. mkpeterson2@verizon.net
