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EDEN — Gardening has become a community outreach project for the congregation at First Christian Church on Oakland Avenue.

“We thought the way the economy is in Eden and the area, we wanted to do something to give back to our local community,” said Doris  Keaton, chairwoman of the First Christian Church  Board.

Research led them to the Rockingham County Cooperative Extension Office, which provides grants to churches and other groups to plant vegetable gardens to benefit the community. Funding from the Reidsville Area Foundation is administered by the Cooperative Extension Office. 

This spring, members began thinking about planting a second garden.

“It is a lot of work, even with a small plot like we had,” said the Rev. Amanda Hatfield . “It was important enough for the church that we decided to apply for another grant this year and also to expand our garden.”

The garden is on the front lawn of the church.

“We chose (the site) so people riding by the church could see we are an active church and trying to do something in the community,” Hatfield said.

Last year, the plot was one raised bed in the shape of a cross. This year, a raised rectangular bed about 8 foot by 3 foot was added.

Members of The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany helped First Christian  members lay out the new garden, build the form and plant.

Epiphany is considering starting a garden of their own in a few years.

“They thought helping us with our garden this year would be a good way to learn the ropes,” Hatfield said.

Neighbors helped with weeding and picking the produce.

Elaine Goldston, 93, was the oldest volunteer; the youngest was 27. 

On March 26, several people built the new bed. They returned April 14 to prepare the beds for planting. Dirt and fertilizer were donated by members of the community.

Barney Strutton brought his tiller to help mix the soil and fertilizer and laying out the rows.

About 10 people showed up April 30 to plant tomatoes, snap/green beans, summer squash, zucchini and cucumbers.

Mack Hall, who lives across the street, waters the gardens three days a week.

Last year, a drought affected the garden.

“It didn’t produce as well as we had hoped,” Hatfield said.

This year was better.

“After we planted, the weather in May was wonderful, so the garden just exploded, and we were thrilled,” she said.

Harvesting began in early June with the first batch being proudly delivered to the Lord’s Pantry. Barney and Lou Strutton oversaw the deliveries.

So far this year, nearly 100 pounds of vegetables have been donated to the food pantry. However, harvest is winding down and  only the tomato plants are producing.

“I think our garden serves a real need in the community,” Hatfield said. “Everyone who shops these days can tell you produce is getting more expensive.”

A few months ago, Hatfield saw a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with a list of “food deserts” in the United States, including Eden and a large part of Rockingham County.

“Food deserts are places where either people don’t have access to affordable fruits and vegetables in grocery stores or a percentage of the population is too poor to afford the fruits and vegetables,” she said.

“Most of the people here don’t have access for  fresh food,” Hatfield said.

The church wants to show “love, caring and cognizant help for those who are less fortunate than us,” Keaton said.

“There is still a desire of people wanting to help others in the community,” Keaton said. 

“It gives you a good feeling when you see that you are contributing.

“It makes you realize that charity starts at home.”

Reidsville native Ann Fish has lived in Eden since 1979. Contact her at annsomersfish@yahoo.com.