A new community garden, known as the Grateful Harvest Community Garden, has been established in Pottstown through a partnership between the First Presbyterian Church and Trellis for Tomorrow. Located at 750 N. Evans Street, this initiative aims to provide fresh produce, educational resources, and foster connections among local residents.
The project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which supports community-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and engagement. Key features of the garden include 15 rentable beds, some of which are designed for accessibility, equipped with drip irrigation systems and deer fencing. Additionally, there are dedicated areas for growing nutrient-rich food for donation.
Starting in 2026, local residents will have the opportunity to rent garden plots for personal use, facilitated by Trellis’ Food for All program. In the interim, volunteer-led harvests will provide fresh produce to food access programs throughout the borough.
“The Grateful Harvest Community Garden is an extension of our faith in action,” stated Susan Moyer, Mission Committee Chair at First Presbyterian Church. “It reflects our values of service, stewardship, and neighborliness. We’re proud to see this dream growing into reality.”
Trellis for Tomorrow plans to supply seedlings, gardening tools, and educational support to both volunteers and community members. The garden will serve as a platform for skill-building and increased engagement with local food systems.
“We aim to create a system of food security and sustainability that goes beyond simply feeding people,” remarked Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of Trellis for Tomorrow. “This partnership with First Presbyterian represents a shared vision to empower people by growing food together as a community.”
The grand opening celebration for the community garden took place on October 26, 2023, featuring garden tours, refreshments, and local speakers. Community members were invited to learn more about renting garden beds and opportunities for volunteering in the upcoming 2026 season.
Founded in 2003, Trellis for Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting youth and communities through hands-on programs in sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food justice. Meanwhile, the First Presbyterian Church has a long-standing history of promoting compassionate service and civic engagement, having served the Pottstown community for 177 years.
For more information about the Grateful Harvest Community Garden, or to get involved, residents can visit www.trellis4tomorrow.org or www.fpcpottstown.org.
