First Presbyterian Church Launches Urgent Grateful Harvest Garden

BREAKING: A new community garden has just launched in Pottstown, driven by an urgent mission to enhance food access and community connection. The Grateful Harvest Community Garden, a collaboration between First Presbyterian Church and Trellis for Tomorrow, held its grand opening on October 26, 2023, at 750 N. Evans Street.

This initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aims to provide fresh produce and educational resources while fostering community engagement. With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, the garden features 15 rentable beds, including specialized plots for accessible gardening, equipped with drip irrigation and deer fencing.

Residents can start renting garden plots for personal use beginning in 2026, while volunteer-led harvests will begin immediately, supplying fresh produce to local food access programs. This is a critical step in addressing food insecurity in the borough.

Working towards a system of food security and sustainability means we go beyond simply feeding people — it requires respect, collaboration, and the cultivation of collective resilience,”

stated Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of Trellis for Tomorrow. She emphasized that this partnership exemplifies a shared vision to empower local residents through community-driven food production.

The garden’s opening celebration featured tours, refreshments, and insights on how community members can participate in renting beds and volunteering. “

The Grateful Harvest Community Garden is an extension of our faith in action,”

said Susan Moyer, Mission Committee Chair at First Presbyterian Church. “It reflects our values of service, stewardship, and neighborliness.”

Trellis for Tomorrow, a nonprofit established in 2003, provides experiential programs focused on sustainable agriculture and food justice, while First Presbyterian Church has been active in promoting civic engagement for 177 years.

Residents are encouraged to get involved and learn more about this vital initiative by visiting www.trellis4tomorrow.org or www.fpcpottstown.org. This community garden not only cultivates fresh produce but also strengthens the ties that bind neighbors together, making it a cornerstone of local resilience and hope.