Northern Berks Community Garden
PURPOSE
The Northern Berks Community Garden at Zion’s exists as a community ministry of the congregation. Its intent is
to provide fresh produce, without cost, through the local food pantry system to individuals and families in the community
who are struggling with food insecurity.
HISTORY
The Garden was begun in the spring of 2014 in response to a growing need to assist low and moderate income members of
the community in their desire to acquire healthy, locally grown produce. In the first season, 5,738 pounds of produce was
grown, including beets, cabbage, kale, lettuce, tomatoes, string beans, cucumbers, yellow squash, and turnips.
Its operation is overseen by a committee comprised of members of the congregation and the surrounding community.
Volunteers prepare the soil, plant, and harvest the produce.
Q and A
What happens to the produce after it is picked?
The produce is distributed to low and moderate income residents of the community through the established food pantry
system in northern Berks, including the Northern Berks Food Pantry, Schuylkill Valley Food Pantry, and Friend, Inc., as
well as the Keystone Military Families Pantry and Hamburg Salvation Army.
How is the Garden funded?
The Garden is funded through designated gifts for the ministry from individuals and community organizations, local
churches, service clubs, and businesses. In addition, in-kind gifts of plants, seeds, tools, etc. are gratefully accepted.
No produce is ever sold.
Where do the volunteers for this ministry come from?
Members of Zion’s Lutheran Church provide a large portion of the volunteers who have worked in the garden and managed
its operation, but anyone who would like to be a part of this ministry is welcome to volunteer their time, talents and energy.
There is no age requirement and a member of the committee is always present at the garden to provide appropriate
supervision when there is work occurring.
When is the Garden in operation?
Beginning in May, work times are usually Monday and Thursday evenings, 6 pm – 8 pm,
weather permitting. We will be closing the Garden for the season on the first Saturday of November.
How can I volunteer?
Individuals are welcome to simply show up at the garden for the during our work times.
In addition, you can call Lori Palubinski, volunteer coordinator, at 610-401-1186 or
email communitygarden@zionslutheran.org
.
How can I make a contribution to the Garden?
You should make your check payable to “ Zion’s Lutheran Church ” and either include a note or in the memo section of the
check indicate that the contribution is for the “Community Garden”.
All checks should be sent to Zion’s Lutheran Church, 354 Zions Church Rd., Shoemakersville, PA 19555.
All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God our creator, you have ordered seed time and harvest, sunshine and rain. Grant that we may always give thanks to you
for food, drink and all that sustains life; that we may use with care the land and water from which these good things come;
and may respect those who labor to produce them; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PDF copy of this brochure: Northern Berks Community Garden
CONTACT:
Northern Berks Community Garden
Zion’s Lutheran Church
354 Zions Church Rd.
Shoemakersville, PA 19555
610-562-3112
Email: communitygarden@zionslutheran.org
Web site: Community Garden
Church Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ZionsChurch