Focus on the Farm: Community will soon benefit from expansion of Mercy Garden

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) -- It started as a way to bring fresh produce to the Good Samaritan Inn's daily "Noon Meal." It has now grown into a way the community has access to fresh produce.

"We saw the lack of nutrition many of our patrons were getting from our canned foods. And we wanted to be able to increase the amount of fresh produce and more nutritious produce our patrons were consuming." said, Tanya Melendez, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Inn.

The Mercy Garden started in 2015 as a small plot of raised garden beds on the north side of the Good Samaritan Inn.

"In the summer months, we are able to, harvest most of the produce for our internal use in our kitchen for our noon meal. So, think leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic. We also have summer squash. Winter squash. We do do some, broccoli as well." said Melendez.

The garden not only grows fresh produce, it also gives an opportunity for volunteers.

"To get the opportunity of having the hands on experience in the garden. But, also in the organization because they also help at our farmers market. So they learn the customer service side, the, the cashiering side, the money handling side of it. And so, as we continue to expand, we would love for volunteers and additional support to assist." said Melendez.

Now, 10 years later, the garden is expanding.

"We are adding something that is beneficial to the city. So it's not just beautification, but it's also an added benefit of locally grown produce.

With the help from state grants and ground from the city's revitalization project, the Mercy Garden has now expanded to more than five acres.

"So through this expansion, we've been able to see just how much the community needs it, but also how much they want it." said Melendez.

Melendez explains, the expansion will bring the opportunity to expand the Mercy Market.

Soon, people will be able to have the option to purchase produce grown in the urban core.

"Think about freshness. We are able to harvest it at peak ripeness because we are growing it here and we are selling here. It means that there aren't as many, transportation costs either. So right there we're talking reduced costs."

Melendez said, not only are you saving some money, your dollar will stay local.

"You're helping support local economy, local businesses. They then in turn will put that money back into the community. And so the more areas in the supply chain that you can keep local, the more money that's going to be available for the community." said Melendez.

Starting in June, the community will be able to purchase the produce at the Mercy Market which is Saturdays at Preston Jackson Park in Decatur.