DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — In the heart of Decatur, a five-acre block has been transformed into a vibrant space for growth and nourishment.
Good Samaritan Inn's Mercy Gardens now stretches across five acres on the north end of the old King's Orchard neighborhood, just off Grand and Edward streets.
“We are really revitalizing it into something that is beneficial for the neighborhood,” said Tanya Melendez, Executive Director at Good Samaritan. “It feels absolutely incredible because we are located in a neighborhood where the need is really great.”
The garden, now in full bloom, is more than just rows of vegetables. It is a mission of food security, community empowerment, and education. Melendez explained that access to fresh produce is a form of preventative care, helping reduce the risk of illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Behind the scenes, the garden is managed by a small but passionate team. Ben, the garden manager, leads planning and planting efforts alongside students from Decatur's Agricultural Academy. Together, they maintain the plots and participate in the market, learning vital life and job skills.
“Our kids not only help in the gardens, but they also help in the market,” Melendez said. “They are learning the life skills that are needed for a job going forward.”
Every Saturday through mid-October, produce from Mercy Gardens is available to the public at Preston Jackson Park from 8 a.m. to noon. It serves as a direct link between the soil and the community.
The impact of Mercy Gardens stretches far beyond the Saturday market. Much of the harvest is also used in Good Samaritan's kitchen for its daily noon meal program. Additional produce is donated to local organizations such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and the Northeast Community Fund.
Melendez says the work is fueled by community support.
“We could always use the support, whether it’s through volunteering or monetary donations. All of it goes to support food security for Decatur,” Melendez said.
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