Pictured above (L to R): Clarion County Master Gardeners presenting vegetable plants to Community Action, Inc. are Stephanie Wilshire; Alice Thurau; Liz Brocious; Community Action, Inc. Volunteer, Patty Girt; Melissa Dolecki; Susan McElhattan; and Community Action, Inc. Case Manager, Crystal Walter.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Clarion County Penn State Master Gardeners donated vegetable plants to Community Action, Inc. last week for distribution to consumers at the Clarion Food Pantry.
The vegetable plants were grown by the master gardeners at their horticultural resource center, AKA: greenhouse and demonstration garden, located at the Clarion County Park. The regional coordinator from Penn State Extension provided the master gardeners with seeds, soil, jiffy pots, hoses, and a wheelbarrow. The gardeners supplied the loving care to grow the plants, which included a variety of tomatoes, cabbage, pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and various herbs. The Master Gardeners also planted an extended demonstration garden with tomatoes, peppers, onions, beets, beans, and carrots, as well as flowering plants like nasturtiums, sunflowers, and marigolds.
When individuals come to the Community Action, Inc. Food Pantry, they will be offered plants. In addition to growing their own food, families can get children involved watering the garden, picking the veggies, and looking for worms and bugs. A small hobby for the whole family with encouraging results and fresh produce to eat.
Samantha Giles of Clarion with her free vegetable plants provided by the Clarion County Master Gardeners during her visit to the Community Action, Inc. Food Pantry.
Penn State Master Gardener trainees are required to participate in a minimum of 40 hours classroom training, score 80 percent on the midterm and final exam, and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service. Those interested in learning more about the Master Gardener Program may contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office at (814) 223-9028 or the Cooperative Extension office in your county.
Individuals in Clarion County in need of assistance with food may contact Community Action, Inc. at (814) 226-4785 or via contact@jccap.org.
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