Kentucky Garden Program Delivers Fresh Food to Neighbors

By Blake Jackson

The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is continuing its partnership with Glean Kentucky (GleanKY) by donating fresh produce from its Home Demonstration Garden to help local families experiencing food insecurity.

The Arboretum is operated through the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, according to Jennifer Elwell, Agriculture Communications Specialist at the University of Kentucky.

So far this year, The Arboretum has provided more than 1,100 pounds of fresh produce to the Lexington-based nonprofit. GleanKY distributes the vegetables to community organizations serving individuals and families throughout Fayette County.

Merlin Lee, GleanKY Director of Digital and Community Engagement, said the partnership helps the organization provide recipient sites with locally grown produce throughout the growing season.

“For many of our recipient sites, GleanKY is either their primary or only source of fresh produce,” said Lee. “By being able to source it from a central location in Lexington, we can limit how far it needs to be transported and help maintain freshness.”

Each week, staff members and volunteers harvest ripe vegetables from the Home Demonstration Garden.

GleanKY collects the produce and delivers it to neighborhood food pantries, shelters and community meal programs.

Although visitors can view the garden and learn about its growing practices, The Arboretum asks guests not to pick the vegetables. Produce is harvested according to a planned schedule designed to support continued donations.

“All grown produce is harvested through an organized schedule to maximize yields,” said Michael Wall, The Arboretum Director. “Picking veggies doesn't just take food off the plates of neighbors in need. It can damage future yields and reduce what we are able to donate later in the season.”

Volunteers also play an important role in maintaining the garden.

"It takes a lot of effort to keep this garden thriving throughout the growing season, and we couldn't do it alone," said Sumi McCarty, grounds worker at The Arboretum.

"We have more than a dozen incredible volunteers who donate their time and energy to plant, weed and harvest, allowing us to send healthy veggies out to the community every week."

Lee said the partnership demonstrates The Arboretum’s commitment to community sustainability and education.

“We could not do this work without their help,” Lee said. “The project shows their commitment to community sustainability and education.”

Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid