For six years, the Bethel AME Church of Ardmore has been helping feed its congregation and the neighborhood with produce from its community garden, reports Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.

For a Black church, “being a lifeline support center” is central to its existence, said Carolyn C. Cavaness, Pastor of Bethel AME Church of Ardmore.

The church launched its farming program in 2018 as a response to local food security challenges. The program has averaged between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds of produce each year.

“We wanted to be sure that we could put nutritiously dense produce in the hands of our members and community,” said Cavaness. “We are now full-fledged to this movement and are also expanding out to helping churches and organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area to grow.”

This year, the church received a generous grant to support the community outreach work it is committed to. The construction is expected to start in June, and will impact the space available for farming.

As a result, for this growing season, the church’s farming program will move to its new location, Haverfarm at Haverford College.

The food grown goes toward supporting local food banks and food pantries.

Learn more about the Bethel AME Church of Ardmore farming program on 6abc.

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