FOOD BANK PARTNERS WITH LOCAL GARDENERS TO FEED COMMUNITY
By Soncirey Mitchell
Reader Staff | June 11, 2025
This summer, the Bonner Community Food Bank, Gardens for Health Collaborative and the Lake Pend Oreille School District are partnering with local gardeners to bring fresh produce to area children and other members of the community in need. Whether it’s a tomato plant on the porch or an entire row in a community garden, volunteers encourage everyone to grow what they can to provide fresh, nutritious ingredients for the LPOSD Summer Lunch Program and the food bank in general.
“By connecting families and youth with fresh produce and summer meals, we aim to enhance food security and support the school district’s efforts in promoting student wellness,” said BCFB Executive Director Debbie Love. “We’re excited to witness the long-term impact this partnership will have on students’ health and well-being, particularly during the summer months when access to nutritious food can be limited for students and their families.”
The organizations tried out a similar partnership with local gardeners in 2020 under the leadership of Love, Kaniksu Land Trust Executive Director Katie Egland Cox and GFHC’s Michele Murphree. It began with around 70 tomato plants donated by Greentree Naturals co-owner Diane Green and handed out by Murphee, and ended with the community donating 221,000 pounds of produce. Organizers are hoping to get at least half that by the end of this growing season.
