Fundraiser helps North Liberty take one step closer toward community garden

NORTH LIBERTY - The North Liberty Community Pantry is roughly $4,500 away from securing the funds needed for its community garden project.

Pantry officials and volunteers haven't yet reached their goal, but once they do, it's likely to taste as sweet as the Dutch apple pie Tina DuBois carefully sliced up Sunday afternoon.

DuBois, director with the North Liberty Community Pantry, served several pies for a pie- eating contest during a fundraiser Sunday afternoon as part of the latest push to raise $38,500, which will match The Wellmark Foundation's grant toward the community garden.

Pantry officials have until Dec. 15 to raise the full amount.

The 9,600-square-foot community garden will help provide more food for pantry patrons, but also will help educate the community on where their food comes from and how they can grow their own food at home.

DuBois said the project has seen a lot of community support.

'We've had a lot of good response. People are really excited about the idea of helping people to grow their own food because it helps to solve the problem of hunger long term,” DuBois said.

The Sunday afternoon fundraiser was held at the First United Methodist Church of North Liberty and included a bake sale, pie-eating contest, craft sales, silent auction and children's activities such as face painting and a cake walk.

Vernon Derter of North Libertys grew up spending time in the garden and said he is glad the community is rallying around an effort to not only feed people but educate children on where their food comes from.

'It's a good project,” the 87-year-old said during the fundraiser. 'I think we need it. People are hungry, and having a garden is a good place to start.”

The North Liberty City Council recently made a $4,000 contribution toward the project.

Although DuBois didn't have the final total of money raised Sunday, she said it was unlikely the goal would be reached that day, but it gets them one step closer.

The part of the funds will go toward hiring a part-time staff member to manage garden programming. DuBois said this winter will be dedicated to gathering volunteers and educational planning.

Forever Green owner Lucy Hershberger, who has helped with planning the garden, rubbed her hands together in excitement for the spring. She said she can't wait to get in the garden early next year.

'Two weeks ago we tore the sod up and put down compost, and by April 15, hopefully, we'll have plants coming out of the ground,” Hershberger said.