Last Sunday, May 21st , saw the successful launch of the annual Scotch Plains Community Garden Project, a project of the 96 garden-style apartment neighborhoods within the Township of Scotch Plains, in Union County. The annual event, which saw its inauguration last May, was a complete success with the events huge turn-out that really mirrors how close-knit the community of Scotch Plains really is.

Volunteer attendees enjoyed a whole day of community camaraderie under the bright and beautiful New Jersey sunshine as they planted various seedlings such as spring greens, pumpkins, peppers, zucchini, turnips, radishes, tomatoes, eggplants and cucumber among many other vegetables.  The event aims to feed over 250 local families, the homeless, persons with disability and senior citizens not just within Scotch Plains, but all throughout Union County.

The successful Sunday event also featured raised planters, built to accommodate persons with disability so they too could enjoy the benefits of working in the garden.
The admirable project features a fully self sustaining plan that is nourished by rainwater which is harvested in huge barrels and also having its own composting plant. The community event was attended by Homefirst Executing Director Ellen McGovern among many other community leaders and volunteers. McGovern, also a social worker, has given emphasis on the importance of the annual event given that the prices of fresh produce, specifically vegetables, in the current market are expensive and having a community garden can truly benefit every family that it can serve in Union City.

The actual produce from the event benefits the recipients of Plainfeld, a non-profit organization which helps relocate, provide emergency services and assistance to homeless families all throughout the county.  Aside from the produce from this year’s successful community garden event, Beneficiaries of Plainfeld also receives proper nutritional counseling and hygienic food preparation seminars that aims to promote a long lasting solution for the healthy living of every family involved.

The project runs all summer long and everyone is invited to volunteer to this noble cause. Interested parties can contact volunteer coordinator Gregory Reese at Gregory@homefirst.org.  Let me know if you”ll be volunteering and I’ll join you!