DelVal's Charitable Garden Grows to Three Acres

Delaware Valley College will expand its "Hope of The Harvest" charitable garden project, an effort started last year to help combat hunger in the Greater Philadelphia area. 

According to college spokeswoman Annmarie Ely, DelVal will expand the garden from one to three acres this growing season.  The garden produces a wide variety of nutritious produce, such as: peas, corn, peppers, collard greens, kale, watermelons, cantaloupes, onions and more. The items are donated to help feed those in need.

Last year, with the help of students, staff, partners, and local volunteers the project produced nearly 16,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious food, according to Ely.

"The impact was immediately felt in the community. People who depend on food pantries were surveyed and they indicated that without fresh produce in their food pantries they would be forced to go without fruits and vegetables," a DelVal press release said.

Because strong partnerships were created with Bucks County Opportunity Council and Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, the college decided to expand the program this year.

"With the support of the community and the hard work of BCOC, Philabundance, DelVal staff, and students this growing season is shaping up to be a huge success yet again," according to the press release.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the project should contact zachary.gihorski@delval.edu.