I wanted to give an update on our Give to Grow Mankato Campaign running April 22 to August 22. As of May 22 we are 1/3 of the way through and with just over $3,500 raised, we are also just over 1/3 of the way to our goal of raising $10,000! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has already donated!
One donor reached out to us to say, “During low times in my life others have been very generous and supportive of me and my young children. I love being able to pay it forward! We need to keep food growing and available, especially for our vulnerable neighbors.”
The Garden opened on schedule on May 5th under new CDC Safety Guidelines (everyone wearing masks, hand washing station, sanitizing stations at all water spigots, etc…) and we are happy to report we are operating at full capacity!
In fact, we converted an additional 5 plots specifically to produce donation after we learned Blue Earth County Farm would not be operating this year, leaving the community with approx. 3,000 lbs. fresh produce deficit affecting local organizations in the area that help feed those in need. In addition to donation plots growing produce that will go to Welcome Inn, Therese House and the Echo Food Shelf, this year, the Living Earth Garden will be providing fresh beans, cheery tomatoes and cucumbers to add to Feeding Our Community Partners Backpack Food Program's July and August Summer Pack Food deliveries and will continue to grow fresh produce to be delivered to Mankato MyPlace throughout the summer.
So what’s next for LEC?
We are in the process of hiring a Garden Manager to help run the gardens, with a focus on maintaining all of our community donation plots.
We are also in the process of moving all our programming online for the foreseeable future. We’ve held two online classes and just last week hosted our first ever Virtual Open Mic Night via Zoom!
We continue to partner and cross pollinate with other local organizations that are working hard to serve our community during these times of scarcity.
If you’ve been meaning to donate, there’s no better time than right now! And know that every donation – no matter the size – will help make a difference.
Click the link below to be directed to our donation page:
https://www.livingearthcentermn.org/get-involved/donate.html
During our Give to Grow Campaign from April 22nd through August 22nd we'd like to show our thanks to those who give, by offering a gift at these different donation levels:
$250 donation: a “Bounty Basket” full of produce grown at the garden distributed at our 2020 Community Garden to Table Picnic Gathering. And LEC “I Gave to Growth” button!
$100 donation: LEC Make Your Own Salsa Pack, enough organic tomatoes, peppers, and onions to make your own fresh salsa! Will be distributed at our 2020 Community Garden to Table Picnic Gathering. And LEC “I Gave to Growth” button!
$50 donation: Zucchini Bread Love, one large organic zucchini and Grandma Miller’s delicious zucchini bread recipe to make your own bread! Will be distributed at our 2020 Community Garden to Table Picnic Gathering. And LEC “I Gave to Growth” button!
$20 donation: LEC “I Gave to Growth” button! Exclusive design, for campaign donators only – wear with pride and know how much we appreciate you!
Sustaining Donor- Make your donation a recurring monthly donation and receive a LEC Tote Bag as our thank you to you!
Above all, we hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. Please let us know how you are doing, because you are an important part of our community!
We will grow through this together.
