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Seniors From Saint Francis Villa Celebrate Community Garden

Saint Francis Villa, a Catholic Health Care Service’ (CHCS) senior housing community located in East Kensington, recently received a “garden grant” from the Community Foods Program operated by Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (NDS). To celebrate the garden’s creation, CHCS hosted a planting day on Thursday, June 15, 2017.

Senior residents, along with staff from CHCS and NDS, “got their hands dirty” to plant a garden that will increase access to fresh, wholesome, and nourishing produce for senior residents. In addition, Father John Olenick from Saint Francis Inn blessed the garden. He said, “Today we ask God to bless this garden of Saint Francis Villa.  May God’s blessing bring forth abundant growth and provide the residents of Saint Francis with nutritious vegetables to be shared.”

Ms. Brooke Mullen, Assistant Director of Community Relations for NDS, offered remarks during the Blessing and helped plant tomatoes, green peppers, and more. She said “NDS is delighted to provide garden grants to local food cupboards. These grants allow cupboards to learn about gardening as well as the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, and importantly, facilitate a sense of fellowship within the cupboard community.” She went on to say, “For many of our cupboards, the garden creates a bridge across cultures, languages, and life experiences, offering unity and meaningful relationships.  Our hope for the grants is to continue to provide a positive meeting place for individuals to share in the joy of growing their own foods.”

One resident whose apartment overlooks the garden said, “I saw the garden plans and was excited from the start. I’m looking forward to watching the plants grow, it is very exciting. I totally love living here.”

“CHCS is grateful to NDS for this grant,” said Heather Huot, Manager of Housing Social Services and Operations for CHCS. “The community garden will help bring nutritious produce to the seniors living at St. Francis Villa and provide an opportunity for residents to work together as they care for the garden.”