As the fall harvest concludes it’s clear that the first year of the Forward Garden has been lots of hard work and a labor of love. Throughout the season many volunteers, local area groups and business work teams have worked tirelessly to make the launch of the Forward Garden one to remember.

As the season came to a close, the garden was host to AmeriCorps volunteers who harvested 102 pounds of broccoli. That’s a lot of slaw, right? Nope, not quite. The Forward Garden broccoli went to a commercial kitchen at Promega Corporation where their culinary team cut it into florets.They were then taken to Festival Foods and placed into 115 separate 10-oz microwavable steamer bags complete with bilingual preparation instructions on each bag. The steamer bags have since been distributed to 5 different outlets throughout the Madison Area. And let’s not forget the taters! Forward Garden harvested 1259 pounds of potatoes which have been distributed locally since late summer.

These are just the latest examples of the mission of the Madison Area Food Pantry Garden in action. It’s great to know that the Pope Farm homestead was put back into such productive, worthwhile service during a most unprecedented (don’t you hate that word!) time.

Sincere thanks to the many FOPFC who stepped up and got their hands dirty and for the generous and capable leadership from Farm Manager Matt Lechmaier who helped us all feel so welcome.

Visit MAFPG’s Website, Facebook Page, and Instagram to stay up on what’s happening with the gardens. Or contact the Forward Garden’s Farm Manager, Matt at Matt@foodpantrygardens.org or 530-650-5301.

Photos courtesy of the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens