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The Manna Meal Community Garden was created to help provide the Manna Meal Soup Kitchen, housed in St John's Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, with fresh produce. The soup kitchen is in its 32nd year of operation feeding all guests with "no questions asked." Manna Meal serves breakfast and lunch to 350 guests seven days a week. Serving and cooking with wholesome fresh produce is of great importance to Jean Simpson, Executive Director. Vegetables and herbs were grown in such abundance in 2009 that excess was shared with other downtown shelters. The kitchen still had plenty to freeze to fill the soup pot throughout the winter months. Flowers grown in the garden went to grateful recipients all season. The community garden is an outdoor classroom for young volunteers, but the garden project would not and could not exist without the adult volunteers that have come forth from the Kanawha Valley to work, sweat and share their talents. Master Gardeners designated the garden as one of their projects for the year. In 2010, the garden will improve its production by constructing two 40 foot raised beds and getting serious about composting. Before the season begins, we can admire rows of garlic and onions sprouting up --these were planted last fall. By mid March 2010, we planted 32 lb of onion sets, two rows of bush peas and 72 cabbage plants. These great beginnings hold the promise of another blessed year. We are actively seeking and welcoming volunteers and students to come be part of our gardening family. We have food prep tasks for volunteers who cannot do gardening work. There is something for everyone and all are welcome! Come have lunch with us!
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