Community garden: Plots developed to help Concord residents plant needed food

The Rev. Melany Chalker prefers the term "God story." 

Charged by the United Methodist denomination to come up with ways to feed the hungry, Chalker, pastor of Concord United Methodist Church, asked a women's group to brainstorm. 

Karen Earl, a church member who has had a garden most of her life, suggested they create a community garden. But where and how would they do it?

The morning group left pondering those and other questions, and that afternoon, Chalker got the answer in the form of a telephone call from Bill MacCready, owner of Great Lakes Foam Technologies, 13221 Allman Road. He offered 3 acres of property surrounding his business near the downtown to be developed into community gardens.

"This is an example of what God is already doing and how can we join God," said Chalker.

"From that point on, I knew God was doing something in this community," she said.

MacCready had a little different take on it.

"The land is sitting there, the economy sucks, it's an opportunity for people to create some food for their tables. It's what we used to do in the past and we'll see how it all plays out," said MacCready, who is not a member of that church.

Coordinators of the project are Earl and Colleen Mulligan, a Master Gardener.

"I think this will be wonderful for kids because they love to plant and watch things grow," said Earl, who grows potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, dill, green beans and has a strawberry patch at her home.

Since a community garden is a new concept for them, Chalker said the Internet provided valuable information on how to get started. They have no idea how popular it will be, but assume plenty of people will take advantage of it.

Chalker said MacCready has offered water, soil and even tools for people who don't have them. In addition, he is offering scholarships for people who don't have the $20 for their garden plot.