Community grows in Rockford garden project

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by Elizabeth Goodwin, Community Relations Manager, Rockford, Ill.

People served by Mosaic in Rockford are enjoying fresh vegetables and providing food to the hungry through a local food pantry while learning new skills working in new community gardens at each of the group homes and the Mosaic office.

The gardens are part of the Community Garden Project 2010. The program is funded by the City of Rockford Human Services Department, Community Services Block Grant/American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The program provideS grant money for qualified applicants to build, maintain, and harvest gardens in their community. Mosaic received 12 separate grants through the program, providing gardens for all 11 group homes and the Mosaic office.

"We were so excited to receive the award letter," said Carla Saelens, Executive Director of Mosaic in Rockford. "This program has been hugely educational for the individuals in service, as well as beneficial to the community at large."

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Mosaic staff members who have never had a garden are learning just as much as the individuals, Saelens said, and realizing that growing vegetables isn't as intimidating as one may think. Many now plan to grow their own next year, and have started including fresh vegetables in every meal.

The grant came with a few provisions. One row from each garden had to be designated to Plant a Row for the Hungry, and the produce from that row donated to the local food pantry. Volunteers are also required to work in the gardens every month. Mosaic has donated some produce to the food pantry, as well as neighbors and volunteers.

Once produce has been donated to the food pantry, and staff and individuals have had their share, the remaining produce is sold at a local farmer's market, giving individuals a glimpse into the world of business.

It has been a great adventure for Mosaic in Rockford. Next year, the plants will be bigger, the yield higher, and the entire Mosaic in Rockford family healthier.