Growing Food for Health and Environment
Volunteers of America currently hosts three AmeriCorps members who aim to promote sustainability in Garden County and the broader area. Growing food in the home and community is low cost, builds skills, offers exercise, provides an organic food source, beautifies our villages, encourages tourism, and improves our environment.
A community garden is maintained in an empty lot between the United Methodist and Lutheran churches in Lewellen; abundant production goes to feed the Preschool and Food Pantry. A class series is offered covering various topics such as Garden Preparation, Sprouting, Container Gardening, Season Extension Techniques, Tree Planting and Care, Beekeeping, Cheesemaking, Food Preservation, and more.
The program encourages perennial food sources, specifically planting fruit trees, and was recently responsible for the planting of 70 fruit trees in the area, both public and private. AmeriCorps members also received a grant from the Nebraska Arboretum for the planting of 36 shade trees in five Lewellen public spaces. A new park featuring native landscapes and species has been installed on Main Street, Lewellen on what was an abandoned, unsightly lot.
Growing Foods for Health and Environment is an ongoing initiative to promote the well being of our citizens through wholesome food, community interaction, and physical activity, as well as care for the environment by conserving water, planting native species, and using organic methods.
If you are interested in participating in any of our adventures, contact Deb Schubert (308)778-6941.