1. Erin McKenzie was inspired to start a Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) project by a friend in Columbus, Ohio.
While figuring out how it would work in her community, several members of Ginghamsburg’s congregation
approached her and mentioned how a garden should be started at the church. This, and several other signs from God
showed her that it was time to make the leap and plant a garden that would provide food to local share holders and to
the New Path (an outreach partner with Ginghamsburg Church) food pantry. Food from the Earth CSA was born.

2. The first season of growing (2012) produced over 1,665 pounds of fresh, naturally grown produce to
share holders and food pantry clients. Two thirds of the crops grew to full yield without the use of
chemicals. Here, close to 50 varieties of funky and delicious tomatoes wait to be distributed.

3. A large variety of non-GMO (genetically
modified organism) vegetables are grown
from spring to fall, including eggplants,
tomatoes, squash, okra, corn, cucumbers,
beans, herbs, lettuce, peppers and more.

4. The garden utilizes 1 acres of previously unused land on Ginghamsburg’s property. What was
once just a grassy lawn to be mowed is now a source of food for the community.

5. The land is not tilled before planting,
leaving the eco-system under the soil
intact. This means there will be more
beneficial bugs and toads to gobble
up harmful pests, more clovers to
encourage thriving bee colonies and
a more resilient soil.

6. Whenever possible, organic methods and products are used to keep away pests
and weeds, such as natural ash, mulch and organic insect dust, hefted here.

7. Share holders kick off the 2014 growing season
with a small meal of farm-to-table snacks and a
time of prayer to bless the garden.

8. Seeds are started early in a hoop house to extend the growing season into the colder
months. The hoop house was funded and built by community members.

9. Volunteers are out on Change the World Day, moving mulch, planting new seeds
and gaining an appreciation for earth-conscience gardening.

10. Garden share holders are encouraged to help in the garden several times during the
growing seasons. A mother and daughter are pictured here getting a pair of gloves
extremely messy while transplanting broccoli.

11. Folks will find a diverse group of vegetables and herbs in their hand-picked share, from anise to zucchini.

12. Surplus food is donated to The New Path Food Pantry, which serves on average
500 families a month in Miami County, Ohio.

13. 4 varieties of heirloom cabbage are harvested throughout the summer. Crops are chosen for their
nutritional value, heartiness and ability to be grown organically.

14. Crops are also chosen for their…weirdness. The garden provides a variety of vegetables rarely seen,
creating a fun new challenge and learning experience for share holders. You’ll see odd veggies like
Dragon Egg Cucumbers and Chinese Firecracker Peppers.

15. Young kale sprouts through a paper weed barrier. Most of the produce is harvested early while
they are the most tender. Produce at supermarkets tend to be larger but less flavorful and are often
brought to ripeness or readiness through the use of chemicals.

16. Children lend a hand by mixing new dirt.
They are being taught at a young age where
food comes from - and thank goodness
because one 4 year old commented that he
wanted to plant Lunchables!

17. A Food from the Earth sign is
installed by the road to bring
awareness to the 2 year old garden.

18. A group of volunteers and share holders pause for a group shot by the new sign after a
long morning of planting, weeding and coaxing God’s good food from the earth.