Growing Together: St. Therese Garden Ministry Nourishes Our Community

At ICA Food Shelf, we are deeply grateful for the incredible support of our community garden partners—and the Garden Ministry at St. Therese is a shining example of what’s possible when people come together with purpose and heart.

Nestled in a beautiful garden space at St. Therese, a dedicated group of volunteers gathers each week to plant, tend, and harvest an impressive variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This “garden with a mission” has grown into a strong community in its own right—and the impact stretches far beyond its borders.

“The garden at St. Therese is a beautiful space, and the volunteers who gather to garden create a wonderful community,” says Anne Weas, one of the garden leadership team members at St. Therese. “It’s truly amazing how much work can be accomplished from joint efforts—a little does go a long way.”

And those efforts add up. Each season, the Garden Ministry donates more than 4,500 pounds of fresh produce to local organizations, including Mary’s Place/Sharing and Caring Hands and ICA Food Shelf. These donations help meet a critical need—providing healthy, high-quality food to families in our community.

“We’re fortunate to have such great space for a garden at St. Therese,” Kevin, another member of the garden leadership team, adds, “and a team of wonderful volunteers who recognize the value of fresh produce for those in our community who can benefit.”

From planting and weeding to watering and delivering, it takes a village to keep the garden growing. No prior gardening experience is needed—just a willing heart and a little time. These volunteers invest hours of hard work and dedication to grow watermelons, cucumbers, kale, potatoes, asparagus, and more. Their first garden donation of the season came in early May, with 1.4 pounds of asparagus. Two months later, they’re harvesting hundreds of pounds of produce for the food shelf.

We’re honored to partner with St. Therese and so thankful for the compassionate, hardworking volunteers who make this ministry thrive. Together, we’re growing food—and growing community.