Tristan Petersen
Every Tuesday morning you could find Agriculture Teacher Ben Skipor donating food to the St. Joseph’s Pantry in Freeport where the student has donated 2,000 pounds of food that helps the 60% Freeport residents who live in a food desert, according to Skipor.
“I think it’s really important for us as a program to give back to the community because the community gives us a lot,” Skipor said.
Last year, the garden donated 750 pounds of food, but they’ve already donated 2,000 pounds this year.
“I really like it,” Skipor said. “I’ve had former students who either I’ve seen when I’m at the pantry or, who have come up to me at the farmer’s market who will use the pantry as a resource.”
The garden not only teaches students work ethic and how to grow things, but also how to give back to the community.
“It feels rewarding to be able to put our work into growing and harvesting produce which then goes back to our community to help people in need,” Student Garden Intern Madelyne Spaide said.