 Solidarity Gardens is a network of garden plots throughout Uptown and Andersonville that provide food for the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. It is a collaborative project of Canterbury House, the churches of Mary, Mother of God Parish, Loyola University Chicago, and our neighbors. We're blessed to work with students and faculty from Loyola University's Urban Agriculture Program on this project. This year, our summer intern is Ashley Klauck. Read the interview below to get to know Ashley and learn about how she will be helping in the gardens over the next couple of months. How did you get connected with the solidarity gardens project? Loyola University Chicago has a partnership with Solidarity Gardens, and I was connected specifically through the Chicago Food System internships. I am a Loyola student in my senior year, with previous experience as an Urban Agriculture intern. What will you be doing in the gardens? I have already planted most of the crops for the season. At St. Thomas of Canterbury church (4827 N. Kenmore), I have planted several crops including two varieties of tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, purple bush beans, and plenty of scallions. At St. Gregory the Great church (5545 N. Paulina), I have planted many leafy greens in the shade, carrots, cucumbers, two tomato varieties, and basil. I created a trellis today for the tomatoes with the help of parishioners Lauren and Mark Franzen. From now on, most of my work will involve maintenance, such as pruning, watering, and eventually harvesting. The gardens are completely organic and no-till, without the use of harmful pesticides. What has been the best part of the project so far? Or what are you most looking forward to? The best part of the project so far has been the success of the purple amethyst bush beans at St. Thomas! Also, the Swiss chard germination at St. Gregory is looking ideal. I am most looking forward to sharing the harvest with the soup kitchen and feeding people in a way that is local and sustainable. I hope to contribute to the movement of charitable gardens that are part of an ideal food system – the way we grow, purchase, and consume food – that uses sustainable and environmentally friendly principles. Why should parishioners at Mary, Mother of God Parish be excited about this project? The project is based on the views of the founders of the Catholic Worker, a newspaper and Catholic lay movement co-founded by Blessed Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin. They were Catholic writers/thinkers and their philosophy included seeing food as a God given right. Day and Maurin sought to lead a movement of local agriculture that prioritized environmental stewardship rooted in Catholic faith. (Serving God by serving others!) Caring for the environment while also providing food to people in need is much needed in our world today. I am glad to be of service in this way and all parishioners are welcome to join me! I’ll especially need help when harvest time comes. Comments are closed.
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