by Julie Marlier, Earth Ministry

Maybe you’ve heard about the amazing carrot fest at Allie’s Garden this past fall. Al Johnson, Earth Ministry co-chair and organic farming professional, led the 5th and 6th grade children’s religious education classes in a remarkable 57-pound harvest. Al, with help from other Earth Ministry members, keeps the garden going each year, and its bounty provides vegetables for Food Ministry and HomeFront meals.

We have a different sort of food connection with ISLES, a Trenton non-profit with a mission to foster self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities. Among other programs, ISLES promotes urban agriculture through its Garden Support Network. The network brings local residents together in the interest of growing fresh food and improving community access to good nutrition. Its annual events include seed-and-plant distributions, gardening workshops, and social activities.

You may be surprised to learn that UUCWC, through the Earth Ministry, is already a member of the Garden Support Network. This year, we want to spread the word. More information about the church’s association with ISLES, and this year’s calendar of gardening events, will be available soon at Earth Ministry’s organic product sales in the Crossings Room, and also on our webpage.