“I think we can get more.”
Moving down one of the rows of the vegetable garden at their church, mother and son, Shari and Tim Underwood check for produce they can still harvest and donate to the Marion House food pantry in Colorado Springs.
Shari is the lead for the garden on the property of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Parish in El Paso County, Colorado.
The Underwoods tend the garden with many other volunteers from the church.
“Wanted to grow it, to give the produce away and give it to, you know, those in need,” said Shari
The idea of a Parish garden evolved into a ministry mission.
The goal is boosting fresh produce offerings at the marion house kitchen and food pantry.
Shari said, “I just think, you know, so many places they get a lot of, you know, the nonperishable foods that they really should have some fresh produce and to work with, to cook with and eat.”
“Produce is one of the more difficult items to actually get, especially fresh produce in great condition,” said Marion House Director, Jim Benavidez.