In 2012, AkronFCC converted an empty adjacent lot into the Feed My Sheep Garden, growing vegetables for distribution through the Food Pantry.  AkronFCC has partnered with Let’s Grow Akron to manage and maintain the garden, yielding 1,600-2,000 pounds of produce a year.

How the Garden Grew

The name, Feed My Sheep, comes from the last chapter of the Gospel of John, when Jesus asked Peter, “do you love me?” Peter says he does. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus replied. The phrase was often used by beloved former Senior Minister, Dr. Gabe L. Campbell, who died in 2012.

The garden began with a generous donation from Filtrexx, a company that provided Gardensoxx—large nylon tubes filled with compost. Filtrexx donated enough for the equivalent of sixteen 4×8 raised beds. Seeds were planted in the Gardensoxx, and the garden flourished. Guided by the University of Akron’s (UA) department of nutrition, a variety of crops were planted.

In addition to the garden, Akron high school students and UA art students collaborated with local sculptor John Comunale to create beautiful gates facing East Market Street and to landscape the garden’s front. This project was part of UA’s ArtsLIFT program, which uses student talent to create significant public art throughout the city.

Simultaneously, AkronFCC needed a new playground. With support from the Dominion Foundation, the Welty Family Foundation, the Downtown Akron Kiwanis, and generous donations from church members and their families, the new playground was completed.

In 2016, the Neighborhood Network of University Park donated a greenhouse for the garden and other community gardens in the area.

In 2017-18, AkronFCC partnered with Harvest Home, a homeless shelter for women and children, to train selected candidates in vegetable gardening and market stand operation. Participants gained gardening skills, business knowledge, and valuable interpersonal skills for employment.