By Laura at our sister site Queen Anne View
The history of the Interbay P-Patch is a long and twisting one ? it was originally established in 1974, and then survived two subsequent moves in 1992 and 1997. Its final location at 2451 15th Ave W Size encompasses 43,000 square feet and 132 plots. And, over the course of 25 years, giving back to the community has been a key focus.
One of the most notable aspects of this particular P-Patch is Food Bank Gardening team, and they?re celebrating the 25th season of growing food for giving. The P-Patch hosts Giving Garden Workparties every Tuesday at 5:30pm from April through October ? and this year?s season kickoff is today, Tuesday, April 9th.
Since 1988, the Interbay P-Patchers and volunteer Food Bank Gardening crew have grown and donated more than 10 tons of organic veggies to local food banks, shelters and meal programs. The latest stats from 2009 show that the total for the year was 5,218 pounds, and it was nearly evenly split across Food Bank Plots (2,728 pounds) and Individual plots (2,490 pounds).
?(Interbay P-Patch crew at the 2012 Kickoff)
At the opening celebration, P-Patch gardeners and volunteers will be be joined by representatives from the Ballard Food Bank, the Department of Neighborhoods, and the City Council. Mayor McGinn may also attend this celebration of community service as well.
After introductions and brief speeches by those on hand, the celebration turns to food with the traditional first kale harvest and a cup of hot homemade soup for those in attendance. All are welcome!
If you can?t make it, but would like to connect with the Interbay volunteers, make plans to stop by on any Tuesday through the end of October. Volunteers will be available from 5:30pm til dusk, tending the garden plots, answering questions, and building community through giving back.
For more information, contact Jude Berman via email.