We love adding fresh veggies to our emergency food packages. Fresh produce is important to a healthy diet, but can be very expensive and has a limited shelf life. All the produce from CFA’s garden is organically grown and distributed to local families in need, who rarely have access to fresh vegetables.
Our Master Gardener, Smadar Shemmesh, volunteers countless hours coordinating support from high school volunteers, youth organizations and corporate groups including local businesses such as Quench Irrigation, which help make our garden bloom.
The garden integrates climate conscious practices and is affiliated with several environmentally friendly organizations which include Ample Harvest, Bergen County Audubon Society and Green America. A sample of crops planted in the pantry garden this spring include leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, arugula, collard greens, peas and pole beans, summer and winter squash, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, okra and cabbage, garlic, potatoes, watermelons, carrots, beets, herbs such as cilantro, parsley, basil, thyme fennel and several varieties of mint. Native plants are planted throughout the garden, supporting the wildlife and attracting beneficial pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
A heartfelt “Thank You” goes to JTI, and to our other generous corporate donors, in addition to our individual benefactors for their continued support and charitable donation of funds. We are also indebted to the dedicated team of garden volunteers who work tirelessly to make the pantry garden grow.
An additional “Thank You” to the many local garden groups who grow food to help our clients including Central Unitarian Church in Paramus, Christ Lutheran Church in Woodcliff Lake and Saint Anastasia in Teaneck, NJ.
Do you want help in our Community Garden Program?
No green thumb required.