ELLSWORTH Fresh garden produce is a treat this time of year, whether you grow your own, buy it at the farmers’ market or have a neighbor who shares their bounty. This fresh produce is popular at …
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ELLSWORTH Fresh garden produce is a treat this time of year, whether you grow your own, buy it at the farmers’ market or have a neighbor who shares their bounty. This fresh produce is popular at our local food pantries but often in short supply.
The Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce County (HPC) began discussions about having a pantry garden at the Pierce County Food Pantry in 2019. Grant money was secured to cover the cost of startup supplies, but then the pandemic hit and put a halt on planting for 2020.
In 2021 we were able to move forward and a small garden and fruit trees were planted at the pantry location in Ellsworth. Abby Hassing was hired as the garden intern for the summer to coordinate the efforts under the guidance of our Master Gardener, Carol Wilcox.
The purpose of the garden is to provide produce for the food pantry and serve as an educational resource for adults and children. Tomatoes, peppers, radishes, green beans, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, as well as seven fruit trees including varieties of apple, pear, and plum were planted. It has been a success!
We have been able to harvest these fresh foods for the pantry and have also been able to use the garden space to provide nutrition and gardening educational events.
For the 2022 season HPC plans to expand the current garden at the Pierce County Food Pantry location and partner with another food pantry in the county to start a garden. Volunteers to plant, weed, water and harvest are always in need.
If you or your group are interested in learning more, contact Hunger Prevention Council Coordinator Laurel Stinson at laurel. [email protected] Pierce County food pantries are located in Ellsworth, Elmwood, Plum City, Prescott, River Falls and Spring Valley. Fresh produce donations are welcome at these pantries. Contact information and locations can be found at www.hungerpreventioncouncil.com.
Submitted by Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce County
Members of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce gathered Friday morning for the “Kick Starter” meeting, learning about the Pierce County Food Pantry. Photo by Jack McLoone.
