Spring is in full bloom, and so are the flowers in the Giving Garden at Gorham Middle School!
The garden is part of the Gorham Schools Food Initiative. Led by founder, director, and alternative education teacher Heather Whitaker, it has been established for nearly 20 years! Each season, 1000-1,500 pounds of produce from the garden is donated to the Gorham Food Pantry.
While students are the heart of the program, Whitaker seeks collaboration with community members, nonprofits, and local businesses to keep the garden flourishing through donations, grants, and volunteer work.
Recently, nine Junior Girl Scouts from Troop 1164 volunteered with the initiative to weed, spread soil, rake, and help prepare the gardens for the upcoming growing seasons.
“We first worked in the garden last fall to earn our Junior Gardener badge. We learned about planting, weeding, annuals, perennials, harvesting, deadheading, pollinators, and so much more!” says Troop Leader Bethany Haynes Wallace.
The Girl Scouts had a wonderful time making memories together, learning new gardening skills, and, of course, getting a little messy in the dirt!
“This is a great example of girls making a difference. The work that these girls did was helping our community. I love the fact that we are all learning so much about gardening, and the girls are being exposed to something that they can continue on their own,” says Wallace.
Stay tuned for more updates from Troop 1164, as they’re sure to revisit the garden!
You can see more photos here.
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