This past spring, the Lewis River Rotary Club collaborated with the North County Community Food Bank to acquire more fresh produce to serve clients.
Gardener Terry Potter decided to offer his garden space to anyone who wanted to use it. Potter had grown and donated produce to the food bank for 15 years, but his age and arthritis slowed him down, stated a news release.
After seeing the opportunity, Master Gardener and Lewis River Rotary member Kathleen Hensch-Fleming took on the task. Planting began in May and the rotary club has been busy growing a number of crops like tomatoes, cabbage, peas, tomatillos, peppers, lettuce, carrots, zucchini, squash and pumpkins.
The 30 by 50 foot garden has raised beds as well as an additional half acre where four types of squash and pumpkins were grown this year, the release stated. Potter, who is still the property owner, regularly waters the vegetables for the club.
The rotary club harvested 595 pounds of fresh produce for the North County Community Food Bank.
“This year with the economy the way it is, the Rotary food garden has been a tremendous help to our clients,” stated the food bank’s Executive Director Liz Cerveny. “It’s very rewarding to see the total pounds of all the work the club has done. Clients are very grateful for fresh produce so they can continue to have healthy, nutritious meals.”
The release stated the Lewis River Rotary Club has supported the food bank for the past 30 years. The rotary club regularly donates $10,000 a year to the organization and also holds canned food drives and a Christmas party with Santa, gifts, books, and other activities for children.
The release stated Potter was recognized at a recent Rotary social event. The club also presented a $2,000 check to the food bank.
The Lewis River Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Battle Ground Community Center. They also host afternoon or evening meetings on the other two Tuesdays.
For more information on the club, go online to lewisriverrotary.org or email lewisriverrotaryclub@gmail.com.
