An Update from Imagine Community Gardens

Since stepping out in faith in 2012 to install the first gardens, Imagine Community Gardens has seen up close the goodness of God. This past season, as is common at various gardens, we began without knowing how all of our labor, supplies, and finances would be provided for.  But just as He clothes the flowers and feeds the birds, He most certainly takes care of us, and provides ICG with what we need for a successful season, as our harvest is bountiful. We often pray that we have the funds to continue our mission, as well as the people to help serve. Twelve years in, we are still reaching out into underserved neighborhoods, sharing the love of Christ while teaching people how to grow their own food.

I spoke with ICG managers from various locations.  Each location is often met with different challenges, from cultural differences to battles with beetles. But no matter the struggle, God is alongside us and provides what we need at precisely the moment we need it. Not only that, but as one of the managers described, “The outcomes have gone beyond any expectations, not only through what we are able to harvest and despite many gardening challenges, but how many relationships have been formed.”  She goes on to describe how even past gardeners come back to visit, due to such a strong bond they formed with the community while they were gardening. We are also seeing new people at our partner churches, due to the relationships they formed in the garden.

Another blessing is not only the fact that we are providing nutritious food for people who are gardening, but we are able to partner with different organizations within WNY to help feed and bless even more people. Our partnerships range from YWCA, to the Vive Shelter, the Sheridan Parkside Life Center, and various food pantries around WNY. This past year, ICG harvested over $95,000 worth of produce that went into communities of WNY! It is such a blessing to be able to see the produce helping out people in the community, while simultaneously teaching them about the Bread of Life.