Joint Project Will Reduce Local Food Insecurity, Advance Student Engagement
LYME/OLD LYME—The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) is partnering with the Region 18 School District to renovate the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School greenhouse. The project will advance the garden’s mission to reduce local food insecurity while serving as a site to foster student curiosity and engagement.
The LOLFSG share of the project is $8000, which represents approximately 40 percent of the renovation costs. The LOLFSG is raising money through a crowd-sourcing effort supported by Sustainable CT. If LOLFSG can raise $4000, then Sustainable CT’s innovative Community Match Fund will match the remaining $4000. Donations in any amount are welcome. To view an insightful video about the project and/or to donate, visit http://patronicity.com/greenhouserenovation.
This Sustainable CT Fund provides fast, flexible funding to implement projects that align with a variety of sustainability actions. The Fund is structured to support and amplify grassroots efforts that strive to transform their community, neighborhood, and town for the good.
Access to a greenhouse will allow the LOLFSG to increase production by starting and maintaining plants for late-season crops. While researching greenhouse options, Jim Ward, LOLFSG President, noticed that the aging middle school greenhouse was currently unusable.
Ward approached RSD 18 administration about a potential partnership to renovate and modernize the structure. Following a series of conversations between school personnel, garden members, and greenhouse professionals, the idea took root.
Garden volunteers will also maintain educational exhibits for use by students such as a vermicomposting (worm) bin and a hydroponic display. Teachers and students will have access to the greenhouse for classroom use or club projects.
The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden is a nonprofit organization started in 2021 to reduce food insecurity in local communities by growing and donating fresh produce. Located at Town Woods Park, the LOLFSG is a fully volunteer organization. In the past two growing seasons, more than 5000 pounds of fresh produce has been donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries and the United Way.
Garden volunteers also compost food waste and maintain a pollinator pathway.
The renovated greenhouse will make such a difference in the production, particularly of vegetable plants for early seed planting, and new inovations for the garden.
The goal of $4,000 needed to qualify for matching funds has almost been reached! The total raised is at $3,880 as of this morning. Hurrah!