Barrington UMC garden ministry growing fresh produce for local food pantries

Food pantries across Lake, Cook, Kane, and McHenry counties report that hunger remains a serious and persistent concern, as surrounding communities are stretched increasingly thin financially.

Members of Barrington United Methodist Church are reminded that their Christian faith calls them to “feed the hungry.”

Since its inception, the BUMC Congregational Garden has produced more than 290,746 pounds of vegetables, all distributed to seven local food banks. In anticipation of growing needs in the coming months, members of the garden team are preparing for a successful season.

Soil samples have been collected from multiple areas of the expanding garden and sent for analysis to ensure the right nutrients are added. Approximately 1,000 tomato plants, 400 pepper plants, and 1,000 broccoli plants have been started at Horchers Florist and Greenhouses in Wheeling, a longtime partner in this ministry.

In addition, 1,000 zucchini, 250 cucumber plants, 500 winter squash and 100 pumpkin seeds will be planted directly into the garden. The planting schedule is carefully staggered over several weeks to allow for a steady harvest throughout the summer.

The seedlings are brought to the church garden to acclimate before being planted in May and June. Throughout the growing season, members and friends of the church will work together to plant, weed, water, and ultimately harvest the crops. With God’s help, this effort will once again yield thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables for distribution to neighbors through local food pantries.

Anyone interested in helping with the garden are welcome to volunteer. Whether you have a green thumb or simply a willingness to lend a hand, your help is welcome. For details, contact the church office at (847) 836-5540.