Bounty and Blessings
Faith & Grace Organic Garden
and St. Vincent de Paul Pantry
at The St. Vincent de Paul
Joe Latina Center, Temple Terrace
- Growing organic nutrient-dense whole food to nourish our neighbors who visit the Pantry
- Harvesting Wellness: Healing the mind, body, and spirit
- Looking for volunteers passionate about gardening
I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
Please contact Kelly Seeley at kellymseeley@gmail.com to volunteer and/or donate.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Since 2019, the Faith & Grace Organic Garden has been providing organic, nutrient-dense whole foods for our Temple Terrace neighbors who come to the Food Pantry at the Joe Latina Center. We are working on planting every inch of our two acres with healthy, delicious edibles.
Our vision is to grow real food and harvest wellness through our food garden; healing the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to teach, empower and grow together as we share the bounty of God.
This summer, the garden is growing an amazing variety:
- yardlong beans
- moringa
- katuck
- passion fruit
- alapeno peppers
- ghost peppers
- blackberries
- leeks
- winter savory
- onions
- everglade tomatoes
- rosemary
- mint
- collards
- swiss chard
- sweet potatoes
- pineapple
- chives
- kale
- basil
Food distribution from the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry takes place every Saturday morning from 9 – 11a.m. at The St. Vincent de Paul Joe Latina Center, 9715 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace FL serves zip codes 33617 and 33637. Fresh produce from the Faith & Grace Organic Garden is included along with the shelf-stable pantry food, providing extra nutritional quality.
What is Organic Food?
Organic food is food that is grown and produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. Organic farming practices focus on maintaining soil health, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity. Organic farmers use natural methods to control pests and diseases, such as crop rotation, companion planting, and the use of natural predators.
Organic food has a number of benefits for both your health and the environment. Organic food is often more nutritious than conventional food, as it is grown in nutrient-rich soil without the use of synthetic fertilizers. Organic food is also free from harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, which can have negative impacts on human health.
Studies have shown that organic food may have higher levels of certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, iron, and magnesium, than conventional food. Organic food is also free from harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, which have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues.
Many people believe that organic food tastes better than conventional food. This is because organic food is often grown in nutrient-rich soil without the use of synthetic fertilizers, which can affect the flavor of the food.
In addition, organic food is often fresher than conventional food, as it is typically grown and sold locally. This means that organic food is often picked at the peak of ripeness, which can help to preserve its flavor.
With a Little Help From Our Friends
The St. Vincent de Paul Society depends on funding from a number of sources:
We received operating support from St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church.
We hosted a spring plant sale in 2022 to help raise money. The plants were donated by Graces Garden Center and Green Dreams and we were able to raise money for the garden.
Through the financial generosity of the Peirano Family Foundation and grant dollars, we were
able to purchase a vegetable cart, gardening tools, rain barrels and collection system, soil,
conditioners, pots and miscellaneous items.
Financial donations come from the community.
The Faith & Grace Organic Garden was proud to receive the Hillsborough County Fair 2022 Harvest Award for Outstanding Public & Community Service.
You Can Help, Too
Faith & Grace Garden is looking for volunteers with the following qualities:
- Reliable & Committed
- Works well with others
- Passionate about gardening
- Selfless
- Love of outdoors
- Garden love (pruning, planting, weeding, watering, maintaining) Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays 9:00 -11:30 am
- Harvest and Distribution – Saturdays 8:30 -11:00 am
Volunteering to garden is a great way to increase physical activity and get some exercise. Whether you are digging, planting, weeding, or harvesting, gardening requires a lot of movement and can help you burn calories and build strength. In addition to the physical activity, gardening can also improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Gardening has also been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. This is because gardening involves eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are high in nutrients and antioxidants that can help prevent these diseases. Overall, gardening is a great way to improve your physical health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
In addition to the physical benefits, gardening can also have a positive impact on mental health. Gardening has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, and increase mindfulness and relaxation. This is because gardening allows you to connect with nature and focus on the present moment, which can be very calming and therapeutic.
Gardening can also be a great way to improve social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Whether you are gardening with friends, family, or in a community garden, gardening can bring people together and create a sense of community. Overall, gardening is a great way to improve mental health and well-being. So, come out and garden with us. Contact Kelly Seeley at kellymseeley@gmail.com for more information about volunteering and/or donating.
Car Credit www.carcredittampa.com is proud to support the efforts of St. Vincent de Paul Joe Latina Center.