Church’s Giving Garden yields produce that follows the seasons

AMENIA — Much of the fresh produce “neighbors” receive each Friday from the Comida de Vido/Food of Life Pantry at the St. Thomas Church in Amenia Union comes from the hands and hearts of a small band of volunteers who faithfully tend two gardens from the emerging spring through the chill of early winter.

The pantry is unique among others in the area in that the organization uses the grounds surrounding the picturesque 172-year old Episcopal church to serve anyone from anywhere who otherwise might go hungry.

The larger of two plots, known as The Giving Garden, is under the direction of ultra-enthusiastic Marsha Kaufman who says she loves the job she took on five years ago.

While carefully tending to the garden every day, she lauds the loyalty of volunteers Diana Bethke, Nancy McKensie, Susan van Togeran and Chali Paley and church warden Jim Wright who work several times each week. As of the end of July, they had coaxed some 1,200 pounds of food from the soil.

Saying of the expanse which is about the size of half a football field, she notes that in recent years, the garden has become more productive as the quality of the soil has been enriched and growing space has expanding thanks in large part to grants from the Millbrook Garden Club.

Recognizing that some plants such as small squash and beans didn’t need much support, the group used initial grants to build boxes against the fences which helped those plants to grow upward. With a smile in her voice, she said, “We make the most of what we have.”

The wide variety of produce from the garden follows the seasons and, according to the Rev. A.J. Stack, is used exclusively to stock the pantry which serves on average 130 families each week. There are no residency, registration, nor income requirements, with free weekly visits welcome every Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.

He says some 30 volunteers man the program with anyone involved in any way at any level referred to as “neighbors.”

“Any and all welcome,” he said.

The seasonal produce is supplemented by meat, bread, butter, cheese and canned goods. Paper and personal products are also available. A portion of the items are packed for distribution, but others can be chosen depending on individual needs.

All of that can also be topped off by a visit to the recently created Jean Krulis Teaching Garden which contains a wide variety of plants such as herbs, onions, peppers and even flowers. Stack says the garden is enclosed “to keep out the critters” but that the gate is always unlocked so that is can be accessed anytime something is needed — perhaps to spice up a meal. It receives about 50 visitors each week.

The site was created last year in honor of the late Krulis who was responsible for the creation of the gardening program at the church. It is currently run as a collective effort by volunteers Juana Perez, Gaye Parise and Danny Percefull.

In addition to the community “pick your own” portion, it also contains individual plots, begun in the spring by anyone interested in growing their own produce with the church supplying seeds, starter plants, tools and advice.

The property also features shaded picnic tables where all are welcome to have their lunch or just spend time in the open air.

Stack says next year they plan programs and classes focusing on food and gardening. Noting that the church has plenty of space, he hopes more families will take advantage of all the free opportunities to connect with the earth and the community.

For more information on the church, located at 40 Leedsville Road, Amenia, call 845-373-9161.