It’s Grow Time 2012: Manna Garden Lake County
February 6, 2012
"Manna Garden is a faith based movement to engage, equip, educate and connect individuals, organizations, and churches passionate about addressing the food needs in our community to transform people’s lives."
In 2012 the Manna Garden Initiative is continuing its Free Farmers Market. Last year, in response to a food desert being identified in the area of south Waukegan and North Chicago, over 20 volunteers weekly served as the Manna Garden Initiative. During the growing season, local growers from the size of a small backyard garden to a large farm donated thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables and fruits. This fresh produce was then picked and transported to the Free Farmers Market, hosted at Trinity AME Church (210 South Ave, Waukegan).
This year, the Manna Garden Initiative is hoping to over double our volunteer base. They are in need of willing individuals to help at all stages of the process.
They are in need of people willing to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether through large-scales farms or a small garden at one’s home, school, or church, a fresh supply of food is essential throughout the summer. Needs are great in a food desert and we love for people to creatively think of ways to increase our food donations!
The team is in need of people to collect and distribute this food. Volunteers willing to transport this fresh food in their vehicles, trucks, or rentals are a key part of the process of brining nourishment to a food desert. If someone doesn’t personally grow produce, they can still participate by gleaning from local gardens, picking up from grocery stores and creating partnerships with local food suppliers.
Lastly, the Manna Garden team is in need of people willing in teach and be taught, whether you know nothing whatsoever about growing produce or are a full-time farmer. Through the Manna Garden Initiative in 2012, there will be classes offered in community gardening. If you desire to start or be a part of a garden, these training opportunities are for you. Master gardeners and farmers are needed to educate those willing to learn about growing vegetables and fruits. They are seeking to expand access to fresh produce in food deserts by increasing the number of both community gardens and gardeners.
If you have a hunger to meet these food needs or any questions about the Manna Garden Initiative please click here to email Adam McClun.
Click here to read a Trib Local story about Manna Garden 2011.
