Brandywine Living at Princeton’s vegetable garden expansion broke ground on May 20 as part of an initiative to provide fresh produce to the South Brunswick Food Pantry.
The partnership between the luxury senior living community and food pantry is a mutually beneficial relationship to the community’s residents and local families in need.
Residents of the Can You Dig It Garden Club will be taking the lead in caring for the garden after planting. From planting seeds to tending the vegetables, members will be ensuring the garden is ready for a ripe harvest and donation.
”The garden group members are super enthusiastic to be able to connect with their community in such a special way. I’ve been a gardener all my life, it feels good to still be able to garden and help our community members that are in need,” said Joe Bonomo, Brandywine Living resident.
The expansion features the addition of seven new garden beds joining an existing two. This will enable residents to grow a larger and more successful garden while increasing efficiency. Large low maintenance vegetables like zucchini will be newly introduced to the garden alongside peppers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, kale, cucumbers, squash and herbs.
Brandywine Living resident Verona Worthman said, “I grew up in the city and always looked forward to visiting my Uncle’s farm in Idaho and helping with the garden. I’m so excited to be part of the garden club and help our community members at the same time.”
After harvesting, Brandywine Living will deliver the fresh produce to the food pantry located in the Municipal Complex at 540 Ridge Road for distribution. The food pantry is managed by the Social Services Department and relies on donations.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Can You Dig It Garden Club. Residents in need will greatly appreciate receiving fresh vegetables. One of our initiatives is to provide healthier options for our clients. We are very grateful to the members of the garden club for choosing to donate their bounty to the food pantry,” said Jeanne Wert, director of Social Services.
Wert was on site for the planting and cut the ribbon with resident Virginia Cipriani to open the garden season.
The seniors participating in this project range in age 86-99.
- This article was provided by Brandywine Living at Princeton, which is located on Raymond Road on the South Brunswick/Princeton border.