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Many parishes in the Albany Diocese keep gardens to build community, provide a service to parishioners or support local food pantries and soup kitchens.

Immaculate Conception in Hoosick Falls is one: When an old building near the church was razed three years ago, the parish faced a decision about how to use the vacant lot. Instead of just mowing the grass, Rev. Thomas Zelker, pastor, recruited the local Girl Scouts troop to grow vegetables.

A parishioner tilled the soil, and Father Zelker helps to plow between rows. The potatoes, onions, green beans, tomatoes and squash grown in the garden support an ecumenical food pantry in the community. Five parish families are also signed up for their own plots.

"People like seeing it here," Father Zelker said of the garden. "It's being used for good [and] looks good. We put some flowers in it, so it's pretty."

St. Gabriel the Archangel parish in Rotterdam created a community garden club with bylaws in 2009. Club organizers encourage the half-dozen members to donate part of their produce to local food banks.

Arnie Schultz, the group's leader, says he hopes it gives "parishioners a chance to do some gardening and learn techniques. You're able to donate some fresh vegetables. I think it would be good in poorer parishes."

Gardeners have grown 22-pound watermelons, cantaloupe, butternut squash, leaks, onions, beets, greens, snap peas, pumpkins and more.

Parishioners often comment that the garden is "like a showcase for the parish" and inspires them to grow their own produce at home, Mr. Schultz said. One member whose husband was ill said that "coming to the garden was like meditation. It gave her a sense of peace.

"It does kind of connect you with God," he continued. "If you have a good crop, it's something to be thankful for. It gives [members] a sense of value, and then they feel good because they're eating things that are good for their body. I don't know why I don't get more people interested in doing it."

Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Watervliet uses its parish garden to support its soup kitchen. Volunteers had so many tomatoes last season that they had to can 25 quarts, which they used for meals throughout the winter. They often blanch and freeze their large green bean harvests.

"Now that it's been established, more and more people who work for the soup kitchen or are involved in the food pantry realize how much it has benefited people in the community," said Barbara Voland, one of the gardeners.

In Nassau, St. Mary's parish recently posted a request in its bulletin for volunteers to tend its flower gardens as a family project. Students at St. Ambrose School in Latham are growing vegetables to support local food pantries, and the parish has a garden club for improving the property.[[In-content Ad]]

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