Community Garden
Growing Food … Growing Awareness … Growing Compassion
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In the Spring of 2010, The University Church relocated to a new home situated on 8 acres of land located on the south side of Hill Avenue between Richards Road and Reynolds Road in Toledo. Our top priority is to utilize the land we have available for the good of the community and so we initiated a program to develop a community garden on the property. The purpose of the garden is threefold:
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Growing Food … In these difficult economic times, many people are finding it difficult to provide food for themselves and their families. Often, fresh fruits and vegetables are simply excluded from consideration because of cost and so nutrition problems can develop, especially among children. We will grow fruits and vegetables and make these available through a variety of distribution methods to assist those in need.
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Growing Awareness … It is estimated by the Census Bureau that 24.7% of people in Toledo live at or below the federally-defined poverty level and yet many people are simply unaware of the plight of their neighbors. By becoming a public presence working to combat hunger and poverty, we will help made people aware of the very troubling situation in our neighborhood.
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Growing Compassion … Once an individual becomes involved in helping others, it is our experience that compassion grows and people are changed. We hope to grow compassion within our church family and among our neighbors.
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Serving in the community.
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The University Church is the host site for a 2010-2013 AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) position made possible through The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks. The 2011 VISTA is Allie Denham, a 2010 graduate of The University of Toledo with degrees in Global Studies, English, and Music. You can contact Allie by e-mail.
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In 2011 The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks created a second VISTA position at the University Church host site. The position was filled by Peter Meinecke who will be serving from 2011 to 2012. He is a graduate of Allegheny College where he earned degrees in Environmental Studies and Spanish. He can be reached by email.
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Our previous VISTA during 2010-2011, Ms. Jacqueline Cobb, created this community garden from bare land behind The University Church. Through her love and dedication, she laid a strong foundation for the future of this project.
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Accessible gardening
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The University Church was selected as one of only five sites in Lucas County by the Lucas County Department of Job and Family Services for the installation of a 2,100-plant vertical grow garden system, provided by the agency. The vertical grow system allows for high-density plant growing and uses hydroponics for the delivery of nutrients and water. With the vertical grow system, we are able to produce more plants per acre. As the plants are stacked on top of each other, they are accessible to the elderly and those with mobility restrictions who don’t have to bend down to garden!
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Around our garden
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Our community garden includes raised beds, greenhouses, and two garden sheds which operate alongside our vertical grow gardening system. Our garden is among those featured on the MultiFaith GROWS web site.Our future plans include a fish farm, orchard, and numerous other exciting projects! Many local companies and individuals have contributed materially to the success of our community garden through the donation of goods and supplies, as well as through financial contributions. To find out how you, your company, or your organization can help, contact our AmeriCorps VISTA Allie Denham.
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Come and get involved!
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You can be involved in developing our community garden and making a real difference in our community through your participation in our Garden Club. Every week, volunteers meet at the church to get their hands dirty and work in the garden. Come and make some new friends this week! Meeting times are Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Sundays, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Contact Allie Denham for more details!
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