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New Sewickley Twp.'s Community Garden Is Helping Those Most In Need

NEW SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A warm breeze rustles through a community garden in New Sewickley Township. It was first planted last year by the pastor and parishioners of Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

"We've been blessed with three and a half acres here, and a portion of that land we weren't doing anything with," says Pastor Nathaneil Christman. "So we thought, let's do something with it. And so we started the Community Garden."

People receive small plots of land to grow food for themselves, and for others. Community Garden chairman Tom Applequist came up with the idea.

"Many gardeners that we have out here have never planted anything before in their life," he says.

Much of the produce is shared with about 300 families at the Salvation Army Food Bank in nearby Rochester.

"This is fresh produce that we pick Sunday or Monday night, and it's on their tables by Tuesdays," Applequist adds.

The community garden began last year with 20 individual plots. This year it's up to 36, and the pastor says there's still room enough for double that amount.

"It creates a location in prime farm land, for people to learn, enjoy one another's company, and make a difference in the world," he said.

Once the van is loaded, it transports produce from Oak Grove Church to the Salvation Army. Fresh veggies for those who need it most.

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Food bank coordinator Ron Swogger finds joy in giving.

"This has been such a blessing to me, to be able to help more people with fresh produce. And this goes on through November," he said.

And that should make for some happy Thanksgivings.

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