Gardeners are by their very nature sharers – anyone who has ever planted zucchini knows this to be true – and Isles’ community gardeners have a long history of donating produce, both formally and informally, to those in need.
This year, Isles has directed surplus from gardens at schools and dedicated gleaning gardens to The Crisis Ministry, a local emergency food provider. Over 400 pounds of fresh vegetables were harvested from various sites including The Lawrenceville School, Trenton public school gardens, and a portion of a farm under development by the Eno Terra Restaurant in Kingston. Students attending summer environmental education programs at Isles’ Children’s Garden also joined in harvesting as part of their activities.
The Crisis Ministry’s Executive Director, Reverend Jarrett Kerbel, who lent a hand at recent December harvests, offered, “The clients of The Crisis Ministry love the fresh produce harvested from Isles-supported gardens, and it is always first on their shopping list. As a staff we are so pleased to offer our clients fresh, locally grown vegetables of the highest quality. We are grateful to Isles and the institutions that dedicated growing space for their generosity. On a personal note, the time I spent harvesting this fall refreshed my soul!”
Volunteer Isabel Barreiros harvests produce at Canal Farm.
Reverend Jarrett Kerbel of The Crisis Ministry
harvests produce at Canal Farm.
Isles’ Gardening Specialist, Jim Simon, gathers
the harvested produce at Canal Farm.