St. Mary’s Lots to Gardens and its Summer Youth Gardeners are cooking up a Community Lunch to celebrate all the hard work and community service as it winds up its 9th season. Everyone who has been involved with, contributed to, or is interested in learning more about Lots to Gardens is invited to Franklin Pasture Community Garden on Thursday, August 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to enjoy a lunch prepared by the Summer Youth Gardeners. Please R.S.V.P. at 513-3844 or [email protected] by Monday, August 4, so we know how much food to prepare.

Lots to Gardens Summer Youth Gardeners are a diverse crew of 14 local teenagers who have worked over 2,000 hours improving their community. This program provides a 7-week structured service and learning opportunity. In addition to all the work maintaining Lots to Gardens’ 15 gardens and green spaces, the youth also receive job skills training and learn how to cook and eat healthy using the vegetables they grew. They took part in weekly workshops led by returning youth interns with themes ranging from food systems to healthy communication.

The Community Lunch is a celebration of all their hard work and a chance for the youth to share what they’ve learned with the community. All the food is prepared by the Summer Youth Crew and many of the dishes reflect their appetite for tasty nutritious meals made from vegetables they grew right here in Lewiston.