Richard’s Garden

To Richard, a tomato plant represents so much more than fresh, wholesome food. It holds the seeds of a caring community.

A few months ago, Richard was visiting the Hearts Food Pantry Express, a member of FeedMore WNY’s hunger relief network. Ever since retiring, he has come here regularly for supplemental food access. During this particular visit, a volunteer gave him two tomato plants to take home.

A gardener himself, Richard enjoys nurturing plants and helping them grow. Right away, he made sure the plants had enough light and water to grow.

Along with the tomato plants, he was able to take home his selections from the mobile pantry’s variety of nutritious foods, including fresh produce, frozen and canned goods, bread — and even socks.

“It’s a blessing,” Richard says about the help, adding “it makes ends meet.”

Because he’s relied on a fixed income since retirement, this community resource is a huge help to Richard. After a long career in food service, he has a real appreciation for how food brings us together, and how much of a difference it can make.

Now, Richard is looking forward to using his home-grown tomatoes to cook well-balanced meals, along with the nutritious items he receives from Hearts Food Pantry Express!