Are you willing to get your hands dirty to help your community?  Do you have a passion for gardening, or are you interested in learning more about gardening?  Are you available on Tuesday mornings?  Then we want your help!

Over 80 percent of Manistee County residents report inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables.  The Manistee Community Kitchen is working to change this reality by providing locally grown produce to low-income families in our community.  Farmland has been donated, seeds and plants have been ordered, and soon our grassroots organization will get to work growing fresh produce in a new, massive community garden.

Douglas Valley Organic Vineyard has graciously donated a 1-acre parcel of farmland that the Community Kitchen will use to generate fresh food for families in need in the 2011 growing season.  Now it’s only a matter of getting volunteers together that are ready to do some hard work, and make a big difference.

Several volunteer gardeners have already committed their time to this effort, and will be gathering every Tuesday morning throughout the growing season to tend plants in the Douglas Valley Community Garden.  Calling themselves “The Greenhouse Gang,” this band of do-gooders is grabbing Manistee County hunger by its roots, determined to create a healthier future for our youth.  If you would like to get involved in this effort, and volunteer your time as a gardener, attend the Greenhouse Gang’s informational meeting on April 19 at noon at St. Mary’s Parish Hall.  A light lunch will be provided.  To learn more about this effort contact us today!