Brandywine Seniors Grow Produce For South Brunswick Food Pantry

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Gardening season is here, and residents of a assisted living facility recently planted vegetables to help their local food pantry.

Brandywine Living at Princeton has expanded its vegetable garden, and seniors broke ground on Thursday afternoon. This is part of an initiative to provide fresh produce to the South Brunswick Food Pantry.

Residents who are members of the “Can You Dig It” garden club will care for the garden after planting.

"The garden group members are super enthusiastic to be able to connect with their community in such a special way. I have been a gardener all my life, it feels good to still be able to garden and help our community members that are in need,” said Joe Bonomo, Brandywine Living resident.

The vegetable garden expansion at the facility features the addition of seven new garden beds joining the existing two.

This will enable seniors to grow a larger and more successful garden while increasing efficiency. Low maintenance vegetables like zucchini will be introduced to the garden along with peppers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, kale, cucumbers, squash, and herbs.

“I grew up in the city and always looked forward to visiting my Uncle's Farm in Idaho and helping with the garden,” resident Verona Worthman said in a statement. “I’m so excited to be part of the garden club and help our community members at the same time!”

After harvesting, Brandywine Living will deliver the fresh produce to the food pantry located in the Municipal Complex at 540 Ridge Road for distribution.

"We are thrilled to partner with the "Can you dig it" Garden Club. Residents in need will greatly appreciate receiving fresh vegetables. One of our initiatives is to provide healthier options for our clients. We are very grateful to the members of the garden club for choosing to donate their bounty to the food pantry," Jeanne Wert, Director of Social Services said in a statement.

Seniors participating in this project are aged 86-99.

Here are some photos of seniors tending to the vegetable garden. All photos are provided by Stephanie Gaber, Escapades Producer, Brandywine Living Princeton: