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Thursday, September 3, 2020

D&R Greenway Announces Bounty from St. Michaels Farm Preserve Charity Comm. Victory Gardens Distributed by Aunt Chubby's


In response to the pandemic, D&R Greenway established 32 socially distanced garden plots at St. Michaels Farm Preserve this past spring that are now producing a remarkable bounty. Six of the 32 reserved garden plots are for charity. Hopewell resident Corinne Egner is managing the schedule for gardeners who donated plants and seed, and have given generously of their time to weed, water and harvest. (Above: Marino and proprietor Lyn Farrugia of Aunt Chubby's receive the first delivery of food from the Charity Gardeners at St. Michaels Farm Preserve. Larger deliveries have followed weekly.)

"We are all hungry for a sense of belonging, being outdoors and living healthy right now. These times hearken back to the Great Depression, when Victory Gardens provided important sustenance for those who lost jobs or were on limited income, strapped for food. I especially liked the suggestion to include 'Charity Plots' where gardeners donate plants, time and harvest to support those in need." —Linda Mead, President & CEO, D&R Greenway Land Trust

D&R Greenway is adapting to world conditions, while celebrating history and agriculture. Stretching back to World War I,  American citizens were urged to utilize idle land that was not already engaged in agriculture-including school grounds, parks, backyards or any available vacant lot. 

A new version of 'War Garden' emerged during the Great Depression and WWII, when Eleanor Roosevelt planted a 'Victory Garden' on the White House lawn.  The site of D&R Greenway's new Community Victory Gardens once served as a farm to provide food for the children who lived at the St. Michaels Orphanage that stood here through both World Wars. 

The 415-acre St. Michaels Farm Preserve is unique in that it combines public access to open space with agriculture activities.