Sowing Seeds for Food Security - Mural Project
Richmond Town Center
Art is supposed to make you think!
These murals were painted by the Richmond Food Shelf Community Gardeners, a loose-knit group of Richmond residents who grow and deliver freshly grown produce for the Richmond Food Shelf. The individual murals depict fictionalized seed packet images featuring a crop and a local landmark together with a whimsical, alliterative title. The murals are intended to show our community growing and sharing nutritious produce for those in need.
This will be the fifth season most of the gardeners have been working together to grow vegetables for others. The garden was originally located in front of what is now Stone’s Throw Pizza. Last year, Tim and Marie Schonholtz, former proprietors of Stone Beach Farm, generously donated space on their farm along the Huntington River in Jonesville. The crew of dedicated volunteers start planting in late April and continue harvesting through October. Having access to a greenhouse on the farm extends the growing season, enabling the garden to continue supplying fresh tomatoes and peppers to the Food Shelf well into the fall.
Last year, Food Shelf customers enjoyed a consistent and varied assortment of fresh vegetables, including peas, beans, potatoes, onions, carrots, kale, zucchini, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, eggplants, a variety of peppers, and more. In 2020, the group grew and delivered over 800 pounds of vegetables to the Richmond Food Shelf! Together, they share a love of gardening, art, and working together for the community. The gardeners said that thinking of ideas, sketching, and painting was a fun collaborative effort during these past winter months that allowed them to dream of growing seasons yet to come.
Food Insecurity in VT
Food insecurity in Vermont reached record levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 30% of Vermonters experiencing food insecurity since March 2020 – nearly triple 2018 levels – highlighting the increased hardship experienced across the state.
Roughly 1 in 4 respondents are eating fewer servings of fruits and vegetables, suggesting a decrease in diet quality. People are also eating less red meat and seafood, compared to before the pandemic.
33% of respondents used food assistance programs. One in five households (19.1%) participated in 3SquaresVT (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP). Nearly 15% used a food pantry.
Concerns about food costs and access to food assistance are rising. 71% of respondents felt concerned about food becoming more expensive, up from March. Many worried about others learning about their use of aid programs.
The artists hard at work!
Show your support for this artwork by donating to the Richmond Food Shelf!
The Richmond Food Shelf serves between 35-70 families a month. Director, Marcia Levison, reports that their clients are thrilled to receive fresh produce; receiving beautiful, organic vegetables on a weekly basis keeps their clients interested in making good food choices for their health. The Food Shelf has expanded its reach during the pandemic and serves anyone who comes in need.
“ ...I think it is important to view food insecurity with an open heart and mind. No one really ever expects that they will need to use a food shelf and we are humbled to be able to provide this community resource because of the generosity of people and businesses from all over.”