Council Team Pitches in at Gary Urban Farm

Last week, NWI Food Council board members and volunteers joined dozens of other volunteers in constructing hoop houses and garden beds at Gary's Faith Farms, next to Progressive Community Church.

The project was organized by the church along with Faith CDC. They brought in Will Allen, the grandfather of urban farming, and his organization, Growing Power, to lead the work. The hoop houses will allow year-round growing for their Faith Farms. Keep an eye on this area, friends. Amazing ideas are growing here!

Council volunteer Setel Holden-Villars and Council board member Sarah Highlen

(L-R) Pastor Curtis Whittaker; Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson; Council board members Sarah Highlen & Anne McShane-Massie; Progressive Church volunteer

Community volunteers and Council volunteer Setel Holden-Villars

Growing Power staff and community volunteer work together to install posts

Council board member Anne McShane-Massie drives posts with help from Growing Power staff

Will Allen demonstrates hand-sowing seeds with Pastor Curtis Whittaker

Will Allen demonstrates raking in the seeds

Growing Power staff member and Council volunteer 

Meeting Will Allen was a highlight for all of the volunteers. He's pictured here with Council Board President Sarah Highlen.

Day 1: Mulch has been spread, the plan has been mapped out, and some dirt-moving has begun

Day 4: Hoop houses have been erected, seedlings and seeds have been planted, and plastic will come in the fall