A glimpse at the work of Feed Iowa First in Cedar Rapids

Cabbage is planted in rows across from St. Wenceslaus Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Spring is a busy time, particularly for gardeners. Now, just imagine your garden was not only at your home, but at 23 different sites.

Sonia Kendrick might feel that way as she runs between the gardens she oversees for Feed Iowa First.

Sonia Kendrick adds a natural fertilizer to the water for the cabbage seedlings to be planted across from St. Wenceslaus Church. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

I’ve written about Sonia, an Afghanistan war veteran, several times, beginning when she first started the non-profit organization, but it was only this week that I was able to participate in one of her planting projects.

Feed Iowa First uses open space at churches and businesses to plant fruits and vegetables that go to food pantries, Meals on Wheels and other places to help those in need.

While some of the sites have volunteers from the businesses or churches involved, others could use some help. Sonia almost single-handedly planted and harvested eggplant last year across the street from St. Wenceslaus Church in Cedar Rapids.

Volunteer Julie Wiedner helps at the garden site of Feed Iowa First near St. Wenceslaus Church on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

This year, cabbage is going into numerous rows, and again, Sonia has been doing much of the work on her own. Volunteer Julie Wiedner and I stopped by to help this week, planting some of the many seedlings.

If you happen by this weekend or at another time and see people across from the church, near the Geonetric Building, ask if they need a hand. Even an hour will be beneficial and you’ll know you helped feed someone in need. You can find other ways to support Feed Iowa First on the website: feediowa1st.com

Read more about Sonia Kendrick here – Sonia Kendrick honored at White House – and see images from this week’s planting, below: