b'Food empowerment people of hope, Mike says. With the onset of COVID-19,Food empowerment is what Mission of Mary launched an online sales portal, withmakes the program special, curbside pickup, replacing its farmers market. Staffersaccording to Libby Freeze. posted instructional gardening videos on social media,Its nice to be able to choose too, in lieu of in-person workshops. what you grow, she says. So much has blossomed in a neighborhood whereIf you go to a food pantry, once almost a third of the lots stood vacant. Bountyyou get what they give you. is breaking out all overand not just with veggies,But this lets you grow food but community, too.that you like and is cultur- Notes Stephen, Were seeing real momentum. Weally appropriate. Thats huge have so many gardens in this relatively small residentialin getting people to be in area, and neighbors are starting to build connectionscharge of their diets. over them. Were seeing a slightly more resilient com-A former Mission of Mary munity centered on food and gardening, and gettingintern and now director of outside and being active. Even in this low-opportunitythe food access program at neighborhood, we can start to rely on one another more.East End Community Serv- You can count Dawn Lochner among those whoices, Libby has teamed with are sold on the idea. Healthier food options are justher Mission of Mary col- part of her regular harvest. She also relishes the exer-leagues to build more than cise that comes with tending her plot. Shes meeting70 backyard gardens.more neighbors, too, including a couple of immigrantsLibby Freeze, East EndThe hope was to build 20 more in 2020, until they from Africa who grow fascinating crops and giveCommunity Services lost grants due to COVID-19 budget cuts. When her the chance to learn about a different culture.COVID upended other elements of the nonprofits Which is why I gush about my garden, Dawnwork as well, they followed Father Chaminadessays. I feel so blessed to be part of it!example. We adapted to the signs of the times,meeting the needs of our neighbors while remaining John Schroeder is a freelance writer from St. Louis. Mike Schulz, executive director,Mission of Mary CooperativeMission of Mary Cooperative operates the first net-zero energy farm operation in Ohio, ensuring itstays true to the integrity of creation. Learn more about its operations and services at missionofmary.org.20 Call 1.800.348.4732'