Parish, school gardens grow community, benefit pantry ministries
Parish and school gardens around the archdiocese foster community while supplying fresh produce to local food pantries.
Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Pat Bergen works with Nazareth Academy senior Bella Sliwka in one of the gardens on May 22, 2021, at the Quinn Center at St. Eulalia Church in Maywood. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Pat and Charlaine McAnany weed at Ascension Church’s garden in Oak Park on March 14, 2021. Ascension gardeners donate vegetables to St. Simon of Cyrene food pantry in Austin. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Brad Bonham, president of Carmel Catholic High School shares details about the school’s orchard on Oct. 28, 2025. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
