Good Cheer’s Garden Program began in 2009 to address the lack of fresh produce regularly available to food bank shoppers. In 2015, the Big ACRE was added behind the Bayview School on South Whidbey School District property.
We now cultivate 1.25 acres, and our main focus is growing hardy winter vegetables so we can be sure to have fresh produce available when the food bank is the busiest. Our winter crops are typically left in the field and harvested as needed. The garden crew harvests something from the garden almost every week of the year! Garden surpluses are shared with community partners such as Whidbey Island Nourishes, Senior Resources, and many other organizations that address food access in our community.
Our gardens provide space to involve new and advanced gardeners in growing nutrient-dense food for the community. Volunteers are accepted year round. Drop-in volunteer days run March 1 – October 31 each year. November through February projects happen as needed depending on the weather.
Donate
We would love to accept donations of good condition tools, equipment and materials. Please see our Wish List or the items we need the most. Do you have something that isn’t on our wish list? Please contact the Garden Team. The Wish List is just what we know we need.
We can only accept 4″ plastic pots and very good condition plug trays and web trays. Please contact us before you bring donations of trays and pots.
Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of Good Cheer. Garden volunteers help with all aspects of garden care from planting and seeding, preparing beds, and weeding, through to harvesting and packing. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit the volunteer page to learn how to sign up.