In 2015, the Fishers Rotary Club created a quarter acre vegetable garden on the Fishers Christ the Savior Lutheran Church property. It’s members and the church drilled wells, installed sprinkler systems, built a shed, acquired equipment, installed access paths, established relations with local partners and food pantries to grow and distribute more than 4,000 pounds of fresh produce each year. Praise be to God!

In 2023 the Hamilton County Master Gardeners Association assumed the lead role for this community garden. The group has expanded to serving 5 local food pantries. It works with Volunteer Fishers to provide opportunities for citizens to help. The group delivers more than 3,000 pounds of produce to the food pantries. It raises $3,000 from supporters and $3,000 from HCMGA to fund expenses. It employs 2,000 volunteer hours annually. It serves the food pantries for the 6 months of May through October. The group plants 60 different crops each year in 3 planting cycles. It plants a half-dozen companion crops/flowers, rotates its 9 gardens and plants 3 cover crops each year. The group supports bee hives, hosts open houses and employs scout volunteers.

One-quarter acre is 120 18-foot long, 4-foot wide rows of 1-2-3-4 plantings.

3-4,000 pounds of fresh produce serves 8-10,000 people/servings. The retail value is roughly $15,000.

Why bother?

30 recurring volunteers have an opportunity to serve their neighbors.

20 “random” youth and community volunteers visit once, contribute and serve their community.

3-4 organizations invest $3,000 with a 5X return to serve their community.

400 local “master gardeners” have an opportunity to learn about vegetable gardening.

5 food pantries have dependable supporters for their valuable work.

Most importantly, food pantry clients have fresh, organic produce as part of their weekly visit. They greatly value fresh produce. They know that the local community invested time, talent and treasurer to make this happen. They are welcomed, truly welcomed into our community.