Today our meeting speaker was Julie Kelly, a board member of Mukilteo Community Garden.

Many years ago local garden enthusiasts (some are current Kiwanians) met with club member Joe Hannan, then city administrator, who helped them secure what is now the existing space for the MCG. From 2009 to present day, the space has continued to grow and evolve. This non-profit is operated completely with volunteer support.

Over time, individual beds were created for community use. There are currently 51 Pea Pod spaces that locals can “rent” for the season. They can grow flowers or vegetables and are tasked with keeping their area appropriately clean and in good working order. In addition to the rental fee, they each volunteer 10 hours per year in the remaining 24 beds. Those 24 beds are set aside for growing vegetables for two food banks. Since Mukilteo Kiwanis partners with Mukilteo Food Bank and the community garden this is particularly meaningful to our club members, many of whom volunteer at both non-profits as part of our community engagement.

The garden also welcomes groups who work with children, such as Nature Together Preschool. Each year they bring eager young gardeners to learn about planting, growing, and harvesting. Another local business (Boeing) sends in work parties to volunteer, and in addition, credits each work hour by donating funds to the MCG. Last year, the community garden received $2,100. Free labor and a donation. Win/Win!

From the 2010 through 2022 seasons, the Mukilteo Community Garden has donated 22,850 lbs of vegetables to the food banks in Mukilteo and Lynnwood. Awesome!

Kiwanis Club of Mukilteo is proud to work with both the Mukilteo Community Garden and the Mukilteo Food Bank. Together we are all making a difference!

Live. Love. Share Kiwanis!