Saturday, April 7, 2012

Lenoir Family Food Initiative News

 
Garage Sale, Art Show, Garden Demo, Plant sale, Barbecue
April 21, 8:00am - 2:00pm at the UU Church in Lenoir

Laurie and John Elian have been “blown away” by the overwhelmingly positive response to the Lenoir Family Food Initiative. The Unitarian Universalists of Caldwell County congregation has offered its full support; three raised beds now grace the lawns, and a drip water irrigation system has been set up to take advantage of free rainwater. Church members and friends have contributed seeds, blueberry bushes, strawberry plants, fruit trees, soil, and mulch, in addition to gardening expertise and a lot of vigorous labor. 

John has presented the project at the Kiwanis Club in Lenoir and has been featured on the front page of the Lenoir News Topic. They have been working closely with other groups such as Plant a Row for the Hungry, Yokefellow, Caldwell Community Gardens, and the NC Cooperative Extension, as well as with many individuals who have come forth. Local restaurants have been donating five gallon pickle buckets which will be used by families with inadequate space for a raised bed.

It is estimated that one-fifth of the population in Caldwell County experiences food insecurity. Families sponsored by the project will receive materials, manpower, and seeds free of charge. Once the gardens are started, the project volunteers will provide ongoing education and support to ensure that the families are successful. “We want to break the back of hunger in our community,” say the Elians. Want to help? Sponsor a family. Volunteer. Go to uuofcc.org for more details John and Laurie Elian picking up some fruit trees donated through a referral from Darlene Berry with Plant a Row for the Hungry. 

Gardening happens rain or shine!