The Giving Garden at Coogan Farm in Mystic raised 3,500 pounds of fresh, organic vegetables for the region’s hungry families, and reached 968 households in nine communities at the end of its second growing season.

Additionally, dozens of volunteers gave nearly 3,300 hours of their time to prepare the garden in the spring, plant, nurture and harvest the crops, and most recently ‘put the garden to bed’ for the winter. Groups from area churches, businesses, corporations, civic groups, as well as individuals from across the region, came to the garden regularly to pitch in.

“We are thrilled with the results of the first full growing season at the Coogan Farm Giving Garden,” said Virginia L. Mason, president and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. “The fresh vegetables are so appreciated by the families who require our Mobile Food Pantry program. The produce harvested at the Giving Garden is making a tremendous impact, and it helps United Way to not only help those facing hunger but also ensure they have healthy food options.”

The Giving Garden, which is owned and operated by the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. In 2014, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the Robert G. Youngs Family Foundation signed an agreement that created the Giving Garden at the Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center, 162 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic. The Robert G. Youngs Foundation provided the seed money and continues to support the Giving Garden. The Nature Center owns Coogan Farm. Coogan Farm is a member of Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CTNOFA).

For information on volunteering at the Giving Garden please call 860-536-1216.