Orange HCAT Partnership Flourishes, Provides Over 1,200lbs of Produce to Local Food Pantry
By: Ashley Jacobs, Programs Coordinator, Office on Youth
The Orange County Office on Youth is pleased to announce that its partnership with Orange Baptist Church through the Orange Healthy Community Action Team (HCAT) has resulted in more than 1,200 pounds of fresh, locally - grown produce being donated to the Love Outreach Food Pantry since July 1, 2022. This partnership enabled the creation of the Mustard Seed Garden, located on Orange Baptist Church property, maintained by countless volunteers in support of the Church ’ s goal to serve neighbors in need and the HCAT ’ s mission to break barriers to healthy childhoods in Orange County. The HCAT would like to especially recognize Bill Hager and Craig Jacobs, who have spearheaded much of this volunteer effort. Several hundred pounds of fresh zucchini, squash, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, and more has been contributed to the Love Outreach Food Pantry thanks to this garden. The collaborators of the Mustard Seed Garden look forward to expanding its reach in the community and continuing to work with the current community members who have made it possible. A great partnership example can be found in Bonnie Plants, which donated all produce plants used in the summer garden, and most of the plant donations in the fall. Without the substantial support of Bonnie Plants, the garden efforts would be severely limited, and significantly more costly. Other donors have contributed straw and wood clippings for mulch, in addition to quality compost material. Grant sources have provided for water tap fees, fencing and irrigation needs, and general supplies. All donations are appreciated! For more information on the work of the Orange HCAT, please contact Ashley Jacobs, HCAT Coordinator, at (540) 672 - 5484 ext. 1, or via email at ajacobs@orangecountyva.gov. Follow HCAT Facebook and Instagram pages to stay informed about current activities, search @OrangeHCAT in either service to find these pages.
Page 16 | August, 2022
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