We are excited to announce that the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond (JCFR) has once again supported our Congregation Or Atid garden initiative for 2023-24 with a grant of $6,000.
The Gan Chesed Kindness Garden is a universally accessible, sensory-based outdoor play area and Jewish-themed garden focusing on natural elements to engage all the senses in a safe manner. Inspired by Jewish practices and teachings, Gan Chesed offers new learning opportunities and programs for all ages and abilities in the spirit of inclusion.
COA is very thankful that JCFR has continued to provide this significant grant to support programs at the garden. We also are grateful for various other community and synagogue partners who have provided support for this initiative.
As part of this initiative, the garden has been growing vegetables and herbs, which are then donated to the Weinstein JCC’s Elmer Toth food pantry. Even though the food pantry receives regular donations from Trader Joe’s and Publix, Shari Menlowe-Barck, coordinator of the JCC Food Pantry, has indicated that those receiving the organically grown produce also are so appreciative.
It has been very exciting to see the results of the initial plantings this spring. The first crops of vegetables from the garden have ripened. As of this writing, over 40 pounds of cabbages, broccoli, radishes, kale and lettuce have been donated to the JCC food pantry. There is a lot more to come!
If you would like more information and wish to become more involved with the Gan Chesed project, please contact Sue Geller at (804) 740-6545 or susanrgeller@gmail.com.
The Gan Chesed Kindness Garden is supported, in part, by a generous contribution from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
