Proof is in the produce
<p>Calvary Lutheran Church members Cory English, foreground, and Chris Cook and Pastor Matt Erickson plant seeds in the Giving Garden greenhouse north of Post Falls on Monday. The community garden, in its sixth year, is approaching the 100,000-pound mark in vegetable donations to the Post Falls Food Bank and other nonprofits.</p>
POST FALLS - The Giving Garden has lived up to its name.
Calvary Lutheran Church's community garden north of Post Falls is close to the 100,000-pound milestone for assisting those in need through the Post Falls Food Bank and other nonprofits.
"We're hoping to hit it this year," said Ralph Meyer, an organizer of the effort in its sixth year.
Volunteers kicked off the season Monday by planting seeds in a greenhouse on the 1.25 acres of land donated by David and Linda Johann.
"Over the years, we've learned what vegetables are most popular at the food bank," Pastor Matt Erickson said. "These are what we grow."
The garden is a joint effort between the church, which organizes the volunteers, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a nonprofit insurance firm that helps with the cost along with private donations.
Meyer said the garden has produced about 17,000 pounds in donations this year. About 85 percent of the donations go to the Post Falls Food Bank.
Planting in the garden will be held mid-May. About 25 volunteers support the effort.
"We do it to give back," Meyer said. "The volunteers love the outdoors and gardening. They are some of the original green thumbs."
Like many grassroots efforts, Meyer said it was unclear during the first year how successful the garden would be.
"The first year was a mystery, but we've refined what we've planted and how we've planted," Meyer said.
Meyer said crops that do particularly well are cucumbers, tomatoes and summer squash.
Meyer said some of the volunteers don't attend the church, but love to garden.
Those interested can call 773-5321 or email office @calvarypostfalls.com.