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Members of the Centralia Salvation Army are putting their Washington state Department of Agriculture grant-funded tractor and greenhouse to good use, as the ground is being prepared for planting crops at the Harvesting Hope Farm in Centralia.
“They’re putting in rows as of today. Seeds will go into the ground this week,” Salvation Army Captain Gin Pack said in a phone call with The Chronicle on Wednesday, May 28.
The goal is to once again provide at least 20,000 pounds of nutrient-rich fresh vegetables for Lewis County residents utilizing the Salvation Army food bank, Pack said.
“It’s for anyone who wants to use the food bank. It’s another option to provide fresh produce to our families in our communities,” Pack said. “... Healthy bodies equal healthier communities. That’s one of the tenets of our Harvesting Hope Farm program.”
At most food banks, the majority of the food are shelf-stable items, usually canned or jarred and containing preservatives and other chemicals.
“The food banks are doing the absolute best they can, but a lot of times, it's those shelf-stable items. So anytime we can put something into the food bank that isn’t shelf-stable, that's a fresh option, it’s a win for everyone,” Pack added.
The Harvesting Hope Farm is about an acre and a half and is located next to the Salvation Army food bank on North Gold Street in Centralia.
According to Pack, the farm also has some chickens, and the Salvation Army is working with volunteers from the Washington State University Master Gardeners and Composters extension programs.
Crops being planted include some of the same as last year, such as brussel sprouts, squash, kale and cabbage along with sunflowers to help with local pollinators. This year, broccoli and pumpkins are also being planted.
Pack added the farm is also being used as an educational tool for local youth programs and the Salvation Army’s summer camp.
The Salvation Army food bank is located at 303 N. Gold St. in Centralia. To learn more, visit the Salvation Army’s website at https://centralia.salvationarmy.org/centralias/cure-hunger/.
