The Daily News

No more than 60 by 60 feet in its first stages, Inspiration Gardens began as a small community project to help feed the underprivileged. The garden, which is located north of Wahpeton's City Hall, is estimated to grow to the equivalent of roughly 3 1/2 football fields by next year.

"At this point, I don't know if we're going to have the people resources to manage that many acres, but it definitely provides an opportunity for other people to step up and serve this community," said Don Bajumpaa, coordinator.

Last year, Bajumpaa and other members of Breckenridge's Inspiration Lutheran Church felt the combination of fertile ground and interested gardeners lent itself to harvesting fresh produce for needy families. Although he's uncertain of the amount given to local residents, more than 1 ton of produce has been donated to Richland-Wilkin Food Pantry. The church also incorporates the produce into its annual Thanksgiving dinner, which is open to the public, and at "Feed My Sheep" meals held twice a week September through May.

Advertisement

More than 500 squash and 250 pumpkins are the result of this year's harvest, as well as about 100 jars of canned tomatoes, pickles, carrots and beets. Bajumpaa said one group gleaned about 800 pounds of potatoes from farmer's fields right after harvest. On Saturday, a dozen people gathered about 80 dozen ears of sweet corn and froze it for Thanksgiving. Extra corn will be distributed through grocery stores.

"The dollars that we raise from those sales will get put into an account and be used to purchase seeds and plants for the next year," said Bajumpaa, adding that they've already accrued a couple hundred dollars.

A total of at least 300 pumpkins and squash remain available to the public. Youth members of Inspiration Lutheran will be selling the produce in front of Wahpeton's Ace Hardware on Saturdays and Sundays. Any additional pumpkins will be given to Chahinkapa Zoo for use at its annual trick-or-treating festival, ZooBoo.

Bajumpaa said the group effort will hopefully help the community realize what it can do with a fresh harvest. Last month, the church coordinated a canning workshop for the public.

"It's something that prevents them from taking that step on their own," he said. "Hopefully, we can instill the confidence in these people now so they have the desire to go out and do it."

The church is very committed to serving the community, and it's just one example of how they can use their gifts and talents for others, he said.

"Unfortunately, there's a lot of people out there that need help. This is just one opportunity that's out there trying to meet that demand," he said.

Comments