A heartfelt collaboration between a master gardener and a local nonprofit is transforming the farm-to-table concept into a daily reality for those in need.
As reported by TMJ4, Molly Llanas, a master gardener from Mukwonago, was honored by the Waukesha Service Club for her volunteer efforts, which have had a lasting impact on the community.
Molly plays a vital role in the Green Power Garden, where fresh produce is cultivated and delivered directly to the Hope Center in Waukesha every other day. “I’ve got some onions, some tomatoes, some watermelon,” Molly shared as she prepared a truckload of fresh produce for delivery. The Hope Center, which provides three meals a day to the homeless and low-income residents of Waukesha County, benefits greatly from her dedication.
The garden, initially founded 14 years ago through the UW Extension to teach gardening skills, evolved under Molly’s leadership into a consistent food source for the Hope Center. “We just patterned our work nights on the days they were going to cook,” Molly explained to TMJ4, ensuring that the garden’s harvest aligns with the center’s meal schedule.
Integral to the operation is Steve Rice, the Hope Center’s chef, affectionately known as “Kitchen Steve.” He picks up the produce to use in meals throughout the day. “Peppers we can use for every meal—scrambled eggs for breakfast and whatever we make for dinner,” Steve shared.
“This is the most farm-to-table experience you could have, right?” reporter Rebecca Klopf asked, capturing the essence of this community-driven initiative.
The partnership between Molly, the Green Power Garden, and the Hope Center exemplifies the power of collaboration and highlights how small actions can make a big impact in feeding and supporting those in need.
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