Homegrown: Fresh food for military families

Julie Gladfelder, who helped provide houseplants to flood victims, is moving the program into a new phase.

 She and Sheri Mealhouse started “Neighbor to Neighbor Sharing Plants” with 50 houseplants and ended up giving away 2,230 plants to Eastern Iowans who lost theirs in the Flood of 2008.

 Now Julie would like to provide vegetables and plants to families of military personnel who are deployed.

 Her grandson is deploying to Afghanistan in March and her son-in-law was in special forces.

 “I know when the breadwinner is gone, the budget gets tight,” Julie said. “These families deserve help and appreciation for the sacrifices they are making.”

 To that end, she is seeking families interested in sharing her garden in northeast Cedar Rapids. She also is offering to pay the fee for families wanting to share city gardens and has pots available for those who would like to grow plants at home.

 Julie will help with plants, seeds, fertilizer and advice.

 She has sent letters to local American Legion and National Guard organizations, but would like to reach out to more families to discuss her ideas and identify their needs.

 If you have a family member who is deployed or know someone in the Cedar Rapids area who is, contact Julie at: (319) 363-3121.