The Cutler Botanic Garden (CBG) Vegetable Team has made an incredible impact this year, donating over 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to the community. Through their partnership with the Farm to Library program at the Broome County Public Library, the team is helping to bring locally grown, fresh vegetables to an underserved area of the community at no cost to recipients. This collaboration provides an essential pathway to accessing healthy food options to those who may otherwise have limited access.
Managed by Master Gardener volunteers, the Cutler Botanic Garden Vegetable Garden has seen significant growth in its ability to give back. Last year, the garden donated 200 pounds of produce while partnering with another organization. This year, thanks to a grant from the Broome County Health Department Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program for deer fencing and favorable growing conditions, the garden saw a dramatic increase in output.
Even as the growing season winds down, the CBG Vegetable Team is still hard at work. Peas, beans, and parsnips continue to be harvested, and a fall planting of beets, carrots, arugula, and bok choy ensures that the team will continue their efforts into November. With harvests ongoing, the team expects to donate at least another 100 pounds of produce before the season concludes.
Susan Kost, the Vegetable Team Leader, expressed her gratitude for being able to contribute to such an important program and shared that folks line-up at the library as they await the donations from the garden each Tuesday. As we continue to support the Farm to Library program and similar efforts, CCE Broome is proud to be part of a project that directly benefits our neighbors and strengthens food security across the region.
By:
Molly McManus, Agritourism and Marketing Coordinator
Linda Svoboda, CCE Broome Horticulture Program Educator