The plot behind the Trinity Christian Reformed Church has had years of production and has many tasty veggies and pretty flowers growing. We even have some summer cover crops planted to help improve soil health. The Food At First Garden is a partnership with Trinity Christian Reformed Church and Iowa State Sustainable Agriculture Student Association.

The vision for the Food at First garden started when Justin Struik, dedicated FAF volunteer and past board member, realized that the Trinity garden space needed new leadership. The garden plot was previously managed by the Service Patch, a program of the Volunteer Center of Story County and United Ames. Struik and Chris Martin, FAF Director, approached Gabrielle Roesch, Sustainable Agriculture Student Association former leader and Food at First head chef with their ideas for a possible collaboration. From that moment the idea was sparked and has turned into a volunteer opportunity with over 60 people dedicating time and effort out in the soil.

The garden was designed in the hopes that we can extend the growing season as well as providing more fresh food for the Food at First meals and also for the newest distribution held at Trinity Church on Saturday mornings. This year the Iowa Arboretum helped the gardeners extend our harvest by starting seeds in their greenhouse.  Garden leaders welcome help in the garden and would love to have more community members share in the pleasure of getting their hands dirty while producing fresh, organic and delicious fruits and veggies for the Food at First community and our guests.

Email foodatfirstgarden@gmail.com if you want to be added to our contact list for regular updates.

Location:

Trinity Christian Reformed Church, 3626 Ontario St.

Here are a few pictures of what is growing and who is growing it!