A new community garden has officially launched in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, thanks to a partnership between First Presbyterian Church and Trellis for Tomorrow. The Grateful Harvest Community Garden opened its doors on October 26, 2023, aiming to provide fresh produce, educational opportunities, and a sense of connection among local residents. Situated at 750 N. Evans Street, the initiative is backed by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is designed to enhance both food production and community engagement.
The garden features 15 rentable beds tailored for accessibility, including specialized plots with drip irrigation and deer fencing. In addition to individual gardening spaces, there are dedicated areas for growing nutrient-dense food, which will be donated to those in need. Starting in 2026, local residents will have the opportunity to rent garden plots through Trellis’ Food for All program. Until then, volunteer-led harvests will supply fresh produce to various food access programs throughout Pottstown.
“The Grateful Harvest Community Garden is an extension of our faith in action,” stated Susan Moyer, Mission Committee Chair at First Presbyterian Church. “It reflects our values of service, stewardship, and neighborliness. We’re proud to see this dream growing into reality.”
Building Community Through Sustainable Practices
Trellis for Tomorrow will play a pivotal role in the initiative, providing seedlings, tools, and educational resources for volunteers and community members. The garden is envisioned not just as a space for growing food but as a venue for skill-building and enhancing engagement with local food systems.
“Working towards a system of food security and sustainability means we go beyond simply feeding people — it requires respect, collaboration, and the cultivation of collective resilience,” remarked Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of Trellis for Tomorrow. This partnership between the two organizations embodies a shared commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community through agriculture.
The grand opening celebration featured garden tours, refreshments, and local speakers who informed attendees about the opportunity to rent garden beds and volunteer for the upcoming 2026 season. This event highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for the project and its potential impact.
Trellis for Tomorrow, established in 2003, is dedicated to supporting youth and communities through hands-on programs focused on sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food justice. Conversely, First Presbyterian Church has a long-standing history of promoting compassionate service and civic engagement, with 177 years of experience in community outreach.
For those interested in getting involved or learning more about the garden initiative, further information can be found on the websites of Trellis for Tomorrow and First Presbyterian Church at www.trellis4tomorrow.org and www.fpcpottstown.org, respectively. The Grateful Harvest Community Garden represents a significant step forward in fostering community well-being and sustainable practices in Pottstown.