In 2024, the grip of food insecurity continued to tighten locally as many residents across Seattle struggled to access safe, nutritious food. Factors like climate change, rising costs, and repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have aided the issue, but programs like the P-Patch Giving Gardens showcase how small actions can have a big impact.
Last year, P-Patch community gardeners donated 42,031 pounds of organic, pesticide-free produce to local food distribution centers and meal programs. Though severe weather events impacted plant production and volunteer hours, these numbers reflect an increase of nearly 10,000 pounds from 2023 donations highlighting the resilience and perseverance of our gardening community. We would like to thank all the Giving Garden volunteers for putting in the extra effort to support those in need, even when times are tough. We see you and know that your dedication is helping neighbors in need gain access to fresh, healthy food.
In acknowledgement of dedication and personal commitment, we would also like the recognize Magnuson P-Patch gardener Chris Budech, who passed away in December. A P-Patch member since 2004, Chris volunteered as the Food Bank Coordinator at Magnuson and helped recruit giving gardeners, coordinate donations, and delivered plant starts to the garden at the beginning of each growing season.
“People in Seattle shouldn’t be hungry, and we can provide fresh organic produce. I think gardeners recognize how expensive that produce is and work to provide it.” – Chris Budech
As Giving Garden lead in 2024, he helped coordinate the donation of 5830 pounds of produce from the Magnuson P-Patch to the University Food Bank, Mercy Place Food Pantry, and North Helpline in Lake City. Chris will be missed immensely, and his memory will live on in all those he inspired to get their hands a little dirty. Thank you, Chris!
Since 1973, Seattle’s P-Patch gardens have strengthened community relationships, encouraged civic engagement, and served as restorative gathering spaces throughout the city. Generosity is a consistent thread that runs through every P-Patch in Seattle. More than half of the 90 P-Patches across the city have a system for sharing produce with their gardeners volunteering their time starting seeds, tending garden beds, harvesting produce, and delivering food to ensure that fewer people worried about where they would find their next meal.
What Motivates Giving Gardeners to Give Back
When I have access to fresh produce, it feels restorative in so many ways, and I know costs can be a barrier. I want to help spread those healthy feelings and overcome those barriers, even if I only have a little bit of time to give. – Troll’s Knoll Gardener
This is our second year of leading the Giving Garden. It was so gratifying to see what we grew being appreciated by the meals program chef at the Greenwood Senior Center. It feels like we’re doing good in the world. – Greenwood Station Gardener
Feeding families and seniors is the easy answer. Learning from each other, working outdoors, physical activity with a group of very bonded fun-loving volunteers is what keeps us coming back year after year. I would guess we get more than we give. – Twin Ponds Food Bank Gardener
Helping our neighbors in need! Cost of fresh, organic produce has spiked making it sometimes unattainable to purchase at local supermarkets. –Judkins P-Patch Gardener
It is a good way to help others. Working on the Giving Garden team is a fun way of collaborating and being part of the community. – Bradner Gardens Park Gardener
