Remembering the 2011 Season

In 2011, the Good Neighbor’s Food Pantry received approximately 850 lbs of fresh garden produce grown by area Master Gardener Volunteers and youth at the Leelanau Community Garden.  With fresh produce being so expensive these days, the hope is that food pantry clients benefit from increased access to healthy, fresh food.  This year’s harvest included:  96 lbs green beans; 167 lbs cabbage; 9 lbs cucumbers; 16 lbs eggplant; 19 lbs garlic; 16 lbs greens; 5 lbs herbs; 69 lbs onions; 60 lbs peppers; 50 lbs potatoes; 68 lbs summer squash; 16 lbs edamame (soy); and 261 lbs tomatoes. 

In 2011, nine area Master Gardener Volunteers contributed over 400 hours of volunteer time.  Those volunteers are Rick George, Mike Davis, Cheryl Windle, Sara Schmuldt, Mike Kiessel, Lori Oberson, Gerhild Uhl, Debbie Marsh, and Lynn McAndrews.  Financial support for the garden is limited, and depends on donations and grants to purchase seedlings, compost, mulch, and replacement of irrigation equipment.  Anyone interested in learning more about the Leelanau Community Garden should contact Pam Schmidt Bardenhagen, MSU Extension Home Horticulturalist at 231-256-8323 or via email, schmi345@msu.edu.