When The Soul Patch was conceptualized Erik Warner, garden founder, figured the garden would produce about 200 pounds of food for the Morrison County Food Shelf. Well, it has become quite apparent that he has a bit to learn about gardening. To date, The Soul Patch has produced 517 pounds of garden fresh vegetables, all of which has been donated to the food shelf, and we have yet to harvest tomatoes from over 80 plants, pumpkins, squash, and all the peppers and cucumbers that just keep coming.
When the garden was started there was some concern that, once members of the community heard the food shelf had its very own garden, contributions of fresh produce would decrease. According to Gloria Thomes, Morrison County Food Shelf Director, the garden can actually be credited with increasing contributions from the community. Many people, according to Gloria, may not have been aware that the food shelf was able to accept fresh produce. The Soul Patch has heightened awareness in the community that those who have gardens can, indeed, donate their surplus to those in need.
