Posted by Jeanne Borawski
At their meeting on December 5, Reading Rotary was delighted to hear a presentation from Reading Community Garden steering committee member Cathy Zeek and Reading Food Pantry Board Member Simone Payment.  The women shared plans for a planned expansion of the Community Garden on public land at the Mattera Cabin site on north Main Street next spring.  Rotary is donating $6,000 to the creation of the Food Pantry's Community Garden plot.  District 7930 will also support this project as one of its approved District Grants.
 
The presentation focused on the creation of a large garden that will produce vegetables dedicated to clients of the Reading Food Pantry.  This garden plot will be tended by local volunteers and all produce will be given away to residents struggling with food insecurity.
 
Reading Rotary Co-President Sheila Clarke says, “This is such an exciting project for Rotary to be part of.  We are thrilled to have a meaningful impact on improving access to healthy, fresh food for all residents.”  Co-President John Douglass agrees: “The Rotary Club not only plans to support this project financially to buy supplies and materials, but our members will also be out there this spring getting our hands dirty actually building the garden.”
 
Pictured here are Reading Rotary Co-Presidents Sheila Clarke and John Douglass, Cathy Zeek from Reading Community Garden Steering Committee and Symone Payment, Reading Food Pantry Board.