We did amazing things on the GRuB Farm this year! We grew thousands of pounds of food that we sold and donated around our community.  My favorites were the MASSIVE winter squash that "vounteered"  (grew without us seeding it) in our compost pile. The youth and human volunteers this summer watched every week, as they grew larger and larger their questions of curiosity as abundant and curious as the squash themselves.   “What kind is that??!?  Did you plant it there on purpose?!?! How much do you think it weighs?!? Can we harvest it yet?!?” 

It is amazing what nourishment can come out of a pile of manure and veggie debris. Each squash ended up weighing 30 or more pounds! We sent some to Senior Services to be cooked for holiday meals and donated others to local fundraisers.  GRuB youth made curried squash soup and pie for their group meals. Farm interns took them home to eat. Meanwhile, we still have several more to see us through the winter. 

Surprise squash and watching others’ “ah-ha” moments on the land are a couple of reasons why I love my job.  This work fulfills my mind, body and soul because I am surrounded with passionate, caring individuals, people that are inspiring positive change and empowerment in this world, especially here in Olympia.  

As we near the end of our year, we look forward to all the things to  come in 2017.  This next year, I am excited to teach new people about growing food and the wonders of healthy soil.  We will be running a Biochar experiment to test nutrient density (and flavor) in our food. The farm will have multiple paid positions for GRuB School Alumni to be in leadership roles.  In addition, we are piloting a Senior CSA program at no cost to members. Our Community Seed Shed is complete and will continue to serve as a spot for folks to obtain free seeds for their gardens.   

Like our Volunteer Squash, I can't wait to see what unexpected gems emerge this year. And unexpected gems, along with our regularly scheduled awesomeness, require nourishment to grow.  Your donation supports the good work we will be doing at Grub this year.  Thanks for your contribution! 

GRuB is reaching out to our wonderful community to help us meet our annual fundraising goal of $50,000 by December 31st. Please read our story and help us grow the GRuB hive this season. Bee kind, bee supportive and bee generous!  Your donations to GRuB are tax deductible!