After being forced out by its former landlords last year, the community garden has a new location and a 10-year lease.
After being forced out by its former landlords last year, EarthShare Gardens has a new location and a 10-year lease.
EarthShare was formed as a non-profit in 2004, starting on a small plot of land behind the Holy Rosary Institute, owned by the Sisters of the Holy Family. Last year, the group received word from the Sisters of the Holy Family that their lease would not be renewed.
After a brief stint in Youngsville, the group, which also operates a donations garden - providing over 3,000 pounds of produce in 2013 for FoodNet: The Greater Acadiana Food Bank - is now up and running on a four acre plot in Scott, owned by the McMath family, The Advocate reports here.
"The biggest benefit is that we know it'll be there for 10 years, because we have that 10-year lease," EarthShare board member Stacy Scarce tells The Advocate.
According to EarthShare board member Chris Adams, the relocation has been good for the community garden's mission as the move forced a re-evaluation of the group's goals.
"We decided to focus more vigorously on community gardening efforts and fresh vegetable donations," Adams tells The Advocate. "Giving back to the community has always been an important part of our mission, and we feel that we can do even more than in the past."