The St. James Kiwanis and St. James Caring Center are teaming to organize St. James' first community garden.
Kiwanis President Richard Kimerle explained the purpose of the garden.
“The goal is to provide healthy, fresh vegetables to the people the Caring Center thinks could benefit from them and also to sell vegetables to help support the Caring Center,” Kimerle said.
The garden would serve as a opportunity for youth to learn about growing vegetables and eating healthy and also an opportunity for certain organizations to sponsor a bed to grow the vegetables for the season.
Kimerle noted six, 4x16 foot beds were available for sponsorships and the total garden area is about 50x50 feet. Planting is expected to begin by the end of the month.
Executive Director of the St. James Caring Center Ramona Rinehart noted the produce from the garden would go first to the center's homebound seniors and there would also be nutritional classes using the produce with some of the younger volunteers.
“There are a growing number of seniors who do not get proper nutrition. We are starting to see more and more elderly people request food and assistance from the Caring Center. The food that our volunteers deliver to nearly 80 homebound seniors each month is supposed to be a supplement, but many of these folks tell us this is all they eat for the month.”
Rinehart noted the garden would impact all ages throughout the community.
“The community garden is a way to engage all age groups in a project that will provide a teaching experience and nutritional education by paring volunteers with experienced gardeners, while helping others.”
Kimerle said for Kiwanis the garden would serve a goal to involve children and would also be a good service project.
“Community gardens are being successfully established all over the county and Missouri. We will have a separate area for the children and invite parents to bring their kids and go over the basics of gardening. On April 10 we would like to have the first gardening day with children.”
Kimerle noted the garden would be a sign of community cooperation.
“The Caring Center applied for a grant from Home Depot to buy equipment such as hardware, tools and a composter and we also filed with the James Foundation for a community grant, worth up to $1,000,” Kimerle said. “Phelps County Bank and Kiwanis have been supporters and we are also accepting donations.”
Kimerle said the public is encouraged to join in a volunteer meeting at 1 p.m. March 22 at the Caring Center's building near the garden lot. The management team of the garden will be explaining duties of the volunteers.
For more information contact the St. James Caring Center at 572-265-2047 or Kimerle at 573-265-3168.
