Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. and Representative Emily Kinkead have inaugurated the 15th season of the Capitol Hunger Garden in Harrisburg. The event aimed to emphasize the positive impact of the garden’s produce on the local community.
Speakers at the event included Peter Flynn, President of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association; Mieshia Jackson, Director of Operations for Downtown Daily Bread; Representative Dan Moul, minority chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee; and Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
“Food insecurity affects all walks of life here in Pennsylvania,” stated Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. “While potential remedies to this complex issue take time to craft both on the state and federal levels, this garden continues to offer some immediate relief to those struggling with hunger in the Harrisburg area. As a farmer, I understand what it means to share the bounty and the Hunger Garden time and time again has proven to be a shining example of how healthy food options can be shared amongst the community.”
Rep. Emily Kinkead added that “with food insecurity continuing to get worse since the pandemic and not better, the message of the Hunger Garden could not be more important.” She highlighted that “the Hunger Garden stands as a physical embodiment of the mission of the Legislative Hunger Caucus – to combat hunger across the state, improve access to nutrition programs, and educate Pennsylvania legislators on food insecurity issues.”
The previous year’s garden produced over 727 pounds of vegetables and herbs including tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, carrots, bush beans, Swiss chard, dill, rosemary, thyme, pole beans, onions, and various peppers.
Vogel expressed gratitude towards various organizations: “I want to thank the Department of General Services, Penn State Master Gardeners,” among others “who help make this garden a reality each season.”
This year’s plants were provided by Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association with assistance from volunteers at Penn State Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners who will maintain it until October.
The Capitol Hunger Garden is an initiative by established in 2008 by Legislative Hunger Caucus which aims at raising awareness about hunger issues through efforts like these gardens.
For further details or inquiries regarding this initiative contact Abby Chiumento or Aaron Troutman via their respective phone numbers provided above.
