Good Cheer’s Garden Program began in 2009 to address the lack of fresh produce regularly available to food bank shoppers.

We now cultivate 1.25 acres on two sites, the Good Cheer Garden and the Big ACRE, and focus on winter production. Each year we grow and abundance of fruit and vegetables and share excess produce with community partners such as Whidbey Island Nourishes, Senior Resources, the South Whidbey School Garden Program, the Coupeville Connected Food Program, and many others!

Our gardens also provide spaces to train aspiring farmers and involve new and advanced gardeners in growing nutrient-dense food for the community.

Interested in helping in the garden?

To volunteer as an individual or with your family, school, service learning program, business or any other group, contact the Garden Manager at [email protected] to learn about opportunities and set up a volunteer orientation session. 

Drop in volunteer hours start the first week of March and end in October. After your volunteer orientation you can join us in the garden Tuesdays 9:00 – 4:00 PM, Wednesdays 9:00 – 12:00 PM, Thursdays, 9:00 – 4:00, or Fridays 9:00 – 3:00 as it fits your schedule. Children under 14 are welcome with adult supervision.

Did you grow extra produce in your garden?

We love when our community shares the bounty of their gardens, especially broccoli, garlic and snap peas! You can make food donations anytime the food bank is open. For food safety reasons, please do not leave donations when we are closed; you’ll only feed the squirrels.

Farm to Food Pantry

WSDA’s Farm to Food Pantry Initiative utilizes state funds to help hunger relief organizations across the state purchase fresh produce from their local farmers, increasing access to healthier food options for Washington residents. Good Cheer uses these funds to buy vegetables that increase the diversity of our offerings, especially in the winter. And we love that it allows us to contribute financially to the farmers that have generously supported us for years!