For the 2021 Area Grants Program, members of the Connecticut – Eastern Area awarded the Valley Shore YMCA a COVID-19 Emergency Food-related Assistance grant to support its Partner to Grow Community Garden.

Volunteers of all ages, including those in the Eastern Connecticut Area, work together by weeding, trimming, inspecting, and caring for the crops from spring to fall. These crops provide fresh produce on a weekly basis during the summer harvest season.

Since its beginnings in 2014, the garden has expanded its beds from 18 to 30, producing over 7.5 tons of fresh produce such as herbs, tomatoes, and peppers. This produce is donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry at St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church in Westbrook.

The American Association’s 2021 Area Grant will allow the community garden to make multiple critical improvements after seven years, such as wood chip paths, 28-bed weed protection, irrigation repairs, new double gate for equipment access, and large double harvest sinks. Volunteers are looking forward to a bountiful harvest beginning in July.