By: Adreann Shortt

All Nations International Development Agency

From Seeds to Something Special

Here at ANIDA, we don’t just value our personal progress and growth but the growth of our Food Bank community garden as well. It is such a pleasure to watch the garden go from just a thoughtful idea to an ongoing, fruitful reality. Who knew that in just four months, the herbs and vegetables we planted for our community would thrive the way they have? 

Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers at the ANIDA Food Bank, our community garden has made incredible progress over the past few months. A special thank you to our partners at Karis Services, who have done a fantastic job helping our community garden get to where it is today. From watering and tending to the plants to keeping the garden maintained and making sure the crops have the care they need, it’s clear that they’ve put a lot of time, effort, and dedication into helping everything grow. We truly appreciate the care they’ve put into our garden and the community it serves.  

From Planting to Progress

Watching our community garden grow has been just as rewarding as planting it. With our community at the heart of everything we do, every new sprout reminds us why this project matters. We know that fresh produce isn’t always easy to come by, and there’s something special about growing and picking food straight from the garden.

The tomato plants are now in their green stage and beginning to produce fruit, while our herbs continue to grow steadily alongside them. Although the fruits are taking the lead, every plant is progressing in its own time. After all, gardening isn’t a race—it’s a marathon.  

Growing your own food takes patience, care, dedication, and a little research. One of the best ways to learn is to ask someone in your life who has experience growing their own food. In my case, my dad grows hot peppers in our backyard, so he’d be my go-to for tips and tricks. Just remember, seeing someone plant something doesn’t necessarily make them a gardening expert! I’ve planted things myself, but after weeks of waiting, I can’t exactly say I’ve mastered the art of keeping them alive. So, when it comes to gardening advice, I think I’ll stick with Dad—and hopefully, our ANIDA community garden can inspire you to give growing a try, too! 

Freshly grown produce can be more nutritious and gives us the opportunity to know exactly where our food comes from. Along the way, we’re not only growing fruits and vegetables—we’re also growing a greater appreciation for the benefits of fresh, organically grown food. There are many benefits to growing your own food, including saving money, eating cleaner, and having access to fresh, quality produce.

That same spirit is at the heart of our garden. 

For our food bank clients, this garden means having more fresh and nutritious options available to them. It’s another small way we can support our community and make fresh produce more accessible to those who need it. It’s a space where our clients can experience the value of fresh food, sustainability, and shared care. But what we’re growing here doesn’t have to stay in the garden. When our clients go home and enjoy a nourishing meal, they can carry that same spirit of care with them, share it with those around them, and even encourage their loved ones to visit the food bank and get what they need too. 

A Growing Thanks to You

Four months in, and we’re already seeing how much can grow with patience, care, and teamwork. There’s still plenty of growing to do, but we’re excited to see what comes next!

None of this would be possible without our faithful donors who continue to support ANIDA and our community. We’re truly grateful for your continued support and for helping us grow this garden for our community.

Follow along as the garden continues to grow, and if you’d like to learn more or donate fresh fruits and vegetables, we’d love to have you be part of the journey!