Students harvest vegetables for All Faiths Food Bank

A friendship between the students at Temple Beth Sholom Schools and All Faiths Food Bank has sprouted. Through a garden on campus students helped donate bins of freshly-picked kale, carrots, bell peppers, beets, onions, parsley and green beans. 

Through an agricultural science class Shonna Brady teaches students help plant, maintain and harvest the fruits and vegetables of their labor. Spending time in the garden is a treat for the students at Temple Beth Sholom Schools according to Brady.

"We harvest whenever everything is ready to be picked, Brady said. "They love it. I asked the kids how do you want to celebrate and they said time in the garden."

Brady explained to the students the importance of their donation by explaining that it would feed children and families in need of food. 

Student Chelsea Ya was looking forward to gardening and harvesting. Her favorite fruits in the garden are strawberries. 

"They're really juicy and sweet. I like picking and eating them," Ya said. 

The Sprout mobile farm market for All Faiths Food Bank was on campus to receive the donations. Students lined up their boxes and bins full of produce next to the truck. All Faiths Food Bank Senior Director of Development Denise Cotler was thrilled to see the children getting excited about harvesting vegetables. 

"I think it just the more remarkable thing to teach children or anyone at such a young age to give back to their own community," Cotler said. "A child is a child so they don’t see a child in need as any different from themselves but you know that you’re really helping them. Now maybe those children will have a chance with food in their stomachs and it’s healthy food to make their brains work better."

The produce will be given out to students and families in need throughout the community. All Faiths Food Bank still has 10 days left for the Campaign Against Hunger that helps to feed students who rely on school lunches throughout the year.