Corner of Hope kicks off growing project with Blessing of the Seed and Soil event

The 2013 Corner of Hope Foods Resource Bank (FRB) local growing project had a beautiful spring day for its annual Blessing of the Seed and Soil event held Saturday, April 27. Gathered outdoors at the Walter Halvorson farm in rural Waukon, Pastor Ken Kimball of Old East and Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Churches performed the blessing. Soon, the farmers will be in the fields planting, with approximately 45 acres designated so far for the project. This is the ninth year for the Corner of Hope (COH) growing project in Allamakee County. As before, all of the earnings from the sale of crops and other financial contributions, beyond input costs, will be sent to Foods Resource Bank for distribution.
Through the distribution within Foods Resource Bank, food security in other countries is made possible through local programs that include family and village gardens, irrigation and water retention projects, market and seed exchanges, animal husbandry, diversity of crops and nutrition education. These people can also use income from their crops to feed, educate, provide medical care and house their families. With the sale of crops and support from churches, banks, businesses and individuals, Corner of Hope has set a goal for 2013 of contributing $50,000. More farmers are encouraged to participate. For information about how to participate in the Corner of Hope FRB project, contact Dave Prestemon at 563-535-7448. Submitted photo.