The University Church is pleased to announce that Ms. Jacqueline Cobb, a 2010 graduate of The University of Toledo, will be sworn in as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) and will begin a year of full-time service in the Toledo community. Made possible by The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks, the focus of Ms. Cobb’s work will be the development of a community garden to produce food for those in need, provide education on locally grown food and nutrition, and increase awareness of poverty and hunger in the community. Ms. Cobb will be hosted for her year of service by The University Church on Hill Avenue and the community garden will be developed there, on the 8-acre property.
In addition, The University Church was selected as one of five sites in Lucas County for the installation of a 2,100-plant vertical growing garden system through the Lucas County Department of Job and Family Services. With the goal of promoting economical, healthful eating and inspiring a sense of community, The University Church will develop the vertical garden growing system as a model for economizing on land use in urban development, conserving water and minimizing energy needs. The project will provide accessible opportunities for gardening and generate food for the people in our community!
Many local business’s and generous people have donated plants and supplies for the garden including, Eaves & Ivy, LLC, a locally owned company specializing in custom, handcrafted furniture and cabinetry, who will construct a garden shed incorporating reclaimed timber. Clean Wood Recycling donated mulch for the garden. Also, St. Ursula Academy has become an institutional partner with The University Church, knowing the project will provide diverse service opportunities for the S.U.A students and the chance to learn and experience vertical growing while providing for the good of the community.
There will be a Community Kick Off on the evening of September 1st of 2010 that will include live country music by Toledo Country Limits and opportunities for the public to be part of this new initiative to help our neighborhood. Details coming soon!