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The St. Andrew Oaks Garden of Hope is preparing to begin a new growing season. The garden, a ministry of St. Andrew’s, Panama City, began in the spring of 2015 as a partnership between the church and students and teachers from a nearby elementary school. The garden consists of eight raised beds built on a vacant lot owned by the church.
Due to the garden’s proximity to the school, students can walk over to the garden on scheduled work days. This also provides physical activity for students without any cost to the school.
Last fall, students held a spaghetti supper for their parents. The students came over to the church a few days before the supper and prepared the food to be served. The food incorporated crops grown in the garden and included fried okra (served as an appetizer), garden salad, baked spaghetti, and garlic bread. The ministry has many facets and the students seem excited about learning.