The Bigfork Food Bank’s garden is blooming in its second year and bringing smiles to everyone who visits. It offers fresh fruit and vegetables and helps people feel more self-sufficient.
Elisabeth Mollica, who has volunteered at the food bank since 2016, helped start the garden after discussing the idea with former director Kathy Kaestner. What began as a small container setup has transformed into a vibrant corner filled with various plants this year. Mollica has grown potatoes, cherry tomatoes, beans, carrots, beets, blueberries, peppers, onions, watermelon, and many herbs. So far, the garden has provided 35 pounds of fresh produce to patrons.
Mollica finds joy when guests discover they can take home fresh vegetables. “It feels like I’m giving them a piece of gold,” she says, noting the grateful smiles of those who rarely have access to fresh produce.
With 22 years of experience in the Master Gardener program, Mollica has started gardens in different communities and helps with gardening at schools. The program, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, empowers volunteers to share gardening knowledge and help others grow food.
To make the Bigfork garden a Master Gardener project, Mollica reached out to McKenzie Dey of the Montana State University Extension Office. Dey emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that Master Gardeners extend their expertise to schools and community gardens that otherwise lack support.
In addition to fresh produce, food bank visitors receive educational resources on growing their own herbs. Mollica notes, “Fresh herbs can elevate any dish.”
The garden also invites children for “dig days” to help harvest potatoes, which fosters community involvement. Jamie Quinn, the current food bank director, appreciates Mollica’s dedication. This effort adds connection and dignity to the food bank experience, creating a stronger community.
Mollica aims for the garden to be self-sustaining, seeking funding through grants. However, this summer, a troubling incident occurred when a third of their containers were stolen. Despite the setback, the community rallied to support the garden. Local businesses donated supplies like containers and soil, showcasing the spirit of togetherness.
Mollica also received struggling tomato plants from a local gardening instructor, leading her to create a “plant infirmary” where she nurses them back to health before sharing them with food bank clients.
Looking forward, Mollica hopes to spark more interest in gardening. She envisions a seed giveaway for the spring and potential classes on small-space gardening solutions. Her passion for giving back stems from her upbringing in post-World War II Germany, where her family often faced food shortages. “We used to visit soup lines for meals,” she recalls, emphasizing her commitment to helping others.
While limited space remains a challenge due to new installations at the food bank, Quinn and the team are exploring ways to maximize their gardening area, considering factors like water and drainage.
In a world often filled with divisiveness, projects like the Bigfork community garden are beacons of resilience and generosity. They embody the belief that everyone deserves access to healthy food, and they foster connections within the community.
For more insights on similar community initiatives and gardening resources, explore the comprehensive guides offered by Montana State University’s Extension service and other local organizations.
