Sacramento Mercy Residents Give Back Through Gardening

June 7, 2016

Sacramento Mercy residents Brittany and Breeana working the ground at Fox Lane Garden

Last Saturday, the Sacramento Mercy residents got their green thumbs dirty on a visit to Fox Lane Garden. The residents regularly visit Fox Lane to help plant and tend to produce that is eventually donated to Placer Food Bank.

Fox Lane Garden has been in production for the last three years. Over 200 plants are grown from seeds in the 2,500 square foot garden owned and operated by Mona Bass. Ninety percent of the produce grown is given to local Placer Food Bank agencies in Lincoln, California. Last year, 600 pounds of produce was donated.

“I believe in sustainable living and giving,” said Bass. In addition to a food source for the less fortunate, Bass uses the garden as an opportunity to teach. She invites Mercy residents and local Girl Scout troops to help take care of the garden and teach them about God’s gift of nature. “It is fun to take these garden lessons from nature and apply to our lives,” Bass said.

Mercy resident Amy tending to plants she helped grow from seed

On this particular trip, the Mercy residents pulled weeds, laid fertilizer, watered plants, and learned more about the work required to grow a garden. “The girls were fantastic, always willing and hard workers,” said Bass. “This time it was great for them to see their work developed from last time. In just a few weeks, the dead-looking little seeds they had planted had grown to big green plants, and they had a part in making this happen!”

Bass used this time to share with the residents biblically based analogies of how God plants seeds in our lives and trusts us to tend to them. She shared that He is active in all of His creation and loves to be in the business of growing and nurturing.

“I am blessed to share God’s miracles of creation with them!” said Bass. “Plus we got to eat fresh cucumbers this time!”

Mercy residents Tannia and Brittany “all smiles,” caring for soon-to-be produce donated to Placer Food Bank

The Mercy residents were equally blessed by their experience at Fox Lane Garden. Here are some of their comments:

It’s encouraging, being able to come back and see what grew where we planted before. – Brittany

I like seeing the land, the trees, and how pretty it is here. Being able to work hard and see the beauty it creates is awesome. – Katie

I like the spiritual lessons that we learn here, and how God is speaking to us in so many beautiful ways around us. – Bre

I think gardening is really a worthwhile experience, especially with a woman who is able to so easily relate the Bible with what we were doing. –Breeana

Mercy Multiplied is grateful for Bass’ partnership and the life skills she teaches at Fox Lane Garden. Click here to learn how you or your organization can partner with Mercy and support young women as they break free from their life-controlling issues.