Prime Time: Heidi Gengenbach of Gaining Ground

January 24th, 11:30 – 12:15, Kathie Stuart Room

A local inspiration for the Interfaith Garden:

• Hear first hand about Gaining Ground’s model for hunger relief and meaningful volunteerism.

• Find out why they and their organization get rave reviews once you know them.

Located on Thoreau’s birthplace in Concord, Gaining Ground grows organic produce for hunger relief with help from volunteers of all ages and abilities. About 20,000 pounds of food is grown and distributed annually to local food banks and pantries. As they put it “…In short, we grow food and give it away to people who need it. For free. We’ve been doing this for fifteen seasons now — each one a little different.”

For those suffering food insecurity, the quality of calories is generally inferior. As Dana reminds us, $1 can buy 1200 calories of potato chips and cookies but only 250 calories of carrots. Too often for those with limited money, it makes sense to buy the cheapest calories. It takes groups like Gaining Ground to donate free quality calories into the distribution channels.

Earlier this year Hancock signed up for two opportunities to help at Gaining Ground. Participants had a terrific time and vowed to go back. We are delighted to have Verena and Heidi to share their stories with us. What is their mission, who benefits, and how they make it fun.