Group wants Lacey's gardens to grow

Garden-Raised Bounty weighs dozens of sites

LIONA TANNESEN, THE OLYMPIAN

LACEY -- Lacey residents might have more fresh vegetables in their neighborhoods next year.

Garden-Raised Bounty is considering adding fruit and vegetable stands to neighborhoods, adding a community garden and starting gardens for low-income residents.

Local produce stands

"It's probably going to provide access to good food at lower prices," said 17-year-old Lechi Huynh, a GRuB youth staff member.

Huynh is one of the teens hired for a year through a partnership with GRuB and Community Youth Services to work on gardens for other people and to learn life skills.

GRuB spoke with Lacey officials last fall and is discussing whether a garden could be put in near the senior center that will be built at Woodlawn Creek Park.

Co-director Blue Peetz said the organization is talking with Lacey City Manager Greg Cuoio about which neighborhood centers would benefit from fruit-and-vegetable stands.

GRuB plans to build about 100 gardens next year for low-income people in Thurston County. About 20 to 30 likely will be in the Lacey area.

Signing up for seeds

Those who want a garden sign up at the food bank.

GRuB staff, interns and youth staff coordinate volunteers.

GRuB workers bring whatever seeds the new garden owner wants, a manual about organic produce and seeds for the next year.

Nathan Glenn, 19, said the work makes him feel good.

"Giving away for free, it's like a natural high," he said.

Last year the group built a garden for South Sound High School.

"In the rain, in the pouring down rain," youth staff member Carrie Abbey, 18, added. "But it was still fun."

The youth staff also earn school science credits for the program.

The youth must be low-income to qualify through CYS and must be working toward high school graduation or a GED diploma.

GRuB youth staff also raise food for the food bank; market bouquets, potpourri and garlic braids; help senior gardeners with chores; cook meals at Bread & Roses; learn the science of sustainable agriculture; and educate others about the importance of a healthy food system.

"We're pretty much about helping people help themselves," Glenn said.

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