Island County 4-H
Sharing
As humans, we need each other. There are lots of things we can do on our own and we take great pride in those things. But there are just as many things that require teamwork and cooperation.
This is especially important when you consider food on the community level.
Did you know that last year, 15% of the population of South Whidbey got food from the Good Cheer food bank? There are many reasons why sometimes folks face challenges with getting enough food to their table.
Can you think of what some of these reasons might be? Maybe your family has had this experience. It can be frightening. But if we work as a team, we can make sure we all get through such challenges.
Here are some opportunities to pitch in to make sure we all have the food we need.
Even though you probably don't have much growing in your gardens at this time, it's always possible to share with a local food bank. The next time you go to the store, see if you can pick up an extra can of tuna or some dried beans or pasta. You can drop your items off at any of the following food banks. We always have neighbors who need a little support during tough times. What is easy for you to give can mean a lot to them.
- Good Cheer -- 2812 Bayview, Langley, www.goodcheer.org
- Gifts From the Heart -- Drop off donations at Prairie Center, the Coupeville Post Office, or Whidbey Island Bank in Coupeville
- Oak Harbor Help House -- 1091 SE Hathaway St. Oak Harbor, www.geocities.com/northwhidbeyhelp/
We have learned of an interesting project addressing local gardening opportunities. The relationship between the Langley Middle School Community Garden and Whidbey Island Nourishes (WIN), both new programs this year, bore fruit this April. WIN provides free lunches to students on weekends and school holidays. The mizuna in the garden is thriving in this cool spring weather - by thinning the row, we allowed the mizuna to keep growing larger, and also harvested about 5 cups of baby mizuna for the lunches. This is the first delivery, but certainly not the last, as the growing season continues.
Also, now is the time to Plant A Row! If you have extra room in your garden, or have access to a public garden space, put in an extra row of vegetables or edible flowers. That way, you'll have plenty to share later in the season.
In Oak Harbor, there are spaces available for such plantings at the Hummingbird Farm, just off Zylstra Road. For more information, contact Lee or
This page updated: 17 April 2008