Just as Jesus fed more than 5,000 people

with five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:15-21),

so the seeds planted in our 5-2 Project Community Garden

will help feed the hungry in our community.

What is a Community Garden?

Community gardens typically involve a large garden divided into individual plots in order to grow food, to build community and to build relationships with others from different cultures and generations. Gardens provide an opportunity for those with lower incomes to grow their own food and supplement their budgets. Studies have shown that families who grow food in a community garden eat healthier, more nutrient rich diets than do non-gardening families. Each gardener has the chance to learn from other, more experienced gardeners. Working in the garden also provides a chance to retreat from the noise and commotion of life. And gardening is great exercise!

Why is Crossroads offering a community garden this year?

For all the reasons above and more. God has provided Crossroads with several acres of land which up to this point have largely sat unused. By setting aside part of the land for a community garden, we can both serve our community while building relationships with others and showing them the love of Christ.

How will the garden work?

While still being finalized, preliminary plans call for our garden to begin with about 60 plots. Families will have the chance to reserve a plot for a small fee. They will then plant, weed, water, maintain, and harvest their gardens throughout the summer. There is plenty of room to expand in the years ahead.

How will our community garden feed the hungry?

Two ways: We will actively recruit and reserve some plots for low income families from our community. In addition, 20% of our harvest will go to community food shelves, including our Crossroads Food Closet.

How will the garden be funded?

The community garden is not a budget item for Crossroads Church. However, we are excited to announce that we have received a $1500 Hennepin County Community Garden Grant to pay for start-up costs. In addition, we are partnering with Linder’s Greenhouses for a fundraiser on May 13-16. Bring the invitation (link below) to any Linder’s Flower Mart between May 13-16, and our garden will receive 15% of your  pre-tax purchase. The invitation must be used for our garden to receive the money. Help us spread the news by inviting friends and neighbors to participate also! Click on the link below to view the invitation.

Linders Coupon for May 13-16 2011

I want more information!

We will publish updates weekly in the Connect and monthly in the Connection. Also, continue to check this webpage for the latest updates.

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