Photos by Amber Warfield and other members of the Union Bridge Church of the Brethren community
Union Bridge Church of the Brethren started a garden, called “Plot of Hope,” in May 2024 as a way to use the five acres of land on the church’s property. The garden was started by a group of volunteers with tools, mulch, and plants donated by church members and neighbors.
The garden is there for those who can’t take care of their own garden and to bring fresh produce to the town. Union Bridge is a food desert, which means that the community does not have access to affordable, healthy food nearby. Many people in the town also live in apartments or do not have yards where they can grow their own garden. The church has the land and so decided to share it with their community.
Anyone can stop by at any time to help with gardening by watering plants, weeding, or picking produce. The vegetables produced by the garden are also available to anyone who stops by to get them.
The mission statement of the garden is: “The Plot of Hope exists to grow fresh, healthy food for our neighbors, care for God’s creation, and extend the love of Jesus beyond our church walls through community, stewardship, and shared harvest. May we be Jesus in the Neighborhood through Justice, Love, and Peace.”
