Prayer
Dear Creator God,
Today I am inviting you into my garden. As I marvel at the smallest creations and the changing of the seasons, I see your hand in every aspect of our world; nothing was designed by chance.
It is planting time. Thank you for the fertile soil, the changing seasons, and the miracle of growth and sustenance. I pray for your blessings upon each seed planted, each shoot that emerges, and every fruit that ripens. May the sun provide its gentle warmth, and the rain shower down in perfect measure to nourish the soil and encourage abundant harvests.
Grant me the knowledge and diligence to care for each plant. May the vegetables that grow here be not only a source of physical nourishment but also a reminder of the provisions that you give us.
Lord, I pray for abundance so that I can share with others in need. I want to share the blessings that you pour out in my garden.
In your name, I offer this prayer for my vegetable garden, Amen.
Knowledge
How often do you do something that you know will be a challenge? Today’s YLBG is a challenge to me and you. It is also motivated by the latest news of the federal cuts to food aid programs across the country. The Trump administration ordered the USDA to cancel its food assistance program. In just one example, USDA canceled food pantry deliveries of $1.4 million worth of mostly meat, dairy and eggs, to the Columbus OH area, amounting to a loss of 697,000 pounds of food.
What is my challenge? Do you have a patch of land that could grow food? I have a small yard, but I’m going to plant some produce and share with my neighbors in need. I’m not a gardener. I don’t much care for pulling weeds and keeping critters out. But it is just my SMALL way of resisting. Can you plant a patch in your yard? Can you eat out less often and send that money to a local pantry? They are going to need it. Are there community gardens near you at which you can volunteer? (If you live in or near Dayton OH, check out God’s Garden of Eatin’. They are always looking for volunteers.)
Food insecurity has long been an issue in our country, both in rural areas and in city food deserts where people in poverty have no access to grocery stores. For many, it is a racial justice issue, as often food deserts are located in communities of color where stores simply do not wish to invest their time or money.
What Little Bit of Good can you do?
Action
The national St. Vincent de Paul society has released a statement regarding the cut to food aid. Read it on their website.
Advocacy is becoming ever more important. Research your state level budget. In Ohio, massive cuts are being considered now to food aid, Medicaid, and libraries. Contact your Ohio Rep but also contact Rep Matt Huffman (R) who is Catholic. Ask him to remember the Gospel values of love of neighbor and care for the widow and orphan before cutting programs for struggling people.
The American Community Gardening Association has a Garden Finder You can locate a shared garden near you. Help out when you can.