We would like to spotlight the amazing Betty and Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden for their love and dedication to providing fresh and local produce to those in need in Winston-Salem and our surrounding counties. In 1998, the founder, Jim Holmes, was inspired to plant a seed for change after driving by the Crossnore Communities for Children (formerly known as the Children’s Home) with his son and noticed the fields of land that could be used to help the hungry. To nurture his idea, he partnered with Crossnore Communities for Children, who provided the land, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Carolina, and Centenary United Methodist Church, who encouraged volunteers to help cultivate a food oasis of hope and distribute food to those in need. Today, the Food Garden Bank has two acres of field crops and has nearly 300 amazing volunteers who serve annually to help plant, maintain, and harvest the crops. |
“Volunteering in the Food Bank Garden means a lot to me. As a friend of the Holmes family, I am grateful to contribute to Betty and Jim’s legacy and honored to help people gain access to healthier food.”- Adele Clark, Garden Leader at the Betty and Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden (Pictured on the right). In collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Carolina, the Food Bank Garden has donated their Spring and Fall crops to Samaritan Ministries to help provide nutritious meals to our brothers, sisters, and families in need. Last Spring, they donated 350 pounds of produce including lettuce, radishes, collards, peppers, and onions. “We are thankful to be part of Samaritan’s wonderful ministry to provide food to those who are challenged by hunger,” said Ellen Kirby, Member of the Garden Coordinating Group “I was working at the Second Harvest Food Bank when Jim Holmes showed up to talk with us about his idea. He was so excited, and it was a true joy and blessing to watch the garden expand. We’re so thankful that all of these volunteers give their time and effort to provide such beautiful, nutritious produce to the Soup Kitchen!” – Jan Kelly, Executive Director of Samaritan Ministries We are grateful for community collaborations like the Betty and Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden who are committed to creating a hunger-free community. To learn more or to volunteer with the Betty and Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden, email harvest.tomatoes@gmail.com. |
