Gardens of Hope
Restore has partnered with New Hope Community Ministries out of a desire to work with local organizations to serve the community. This is a description of the ministry.
New Hope Community Ministries is a non-profit organization located in Prospect Park, NJ. Among other programs, they manage a food pantry that distributes food to low-income residents twice per month. While all the clients are grateful for any and all support they can provide them, we are struck by how generally unhealthy many of the staples are – typically high in sodium and fat, and low in naturally occuring vitamins. We started thinking that what low income people need the most is fresh produce – and the idea of Gardens of Hope was launched this spring.
It is our goal to see local gardeners donate fresh produce for low-income residents throughout the summer. Most people’s gardens are just starting to produce, and so while we did have some limited donations for our July 10 food pantry, we are hoping for an even better outpouring for the following weeks. The food pantry hours are from 9 am – noon on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Now that the gardens are in full swing, we also hope to add “off-week” veggie stand. Our first veggie stand will be held on July 30 from 10 am – noon, at New Hope’s building (331 N. 11th Street, Prospect Park). We would be very appreciative of any donations of produce brought to New Hope and would also be open to the idea of picking up some donations.