M.A.S.H. pantry garden in Grove City provides produce for veterans, first responders

The M.A.S.H. Food Pantry and Resource Center has planted the seeds for another way to benefit veterans and their families.

The nonprofit has established a group of greenhouses in five central Ohio counties and a garden in Grove City to grow produce to be distributed to veterans, their families and first responders.

The vision for the greenhouse project started about two years ago, said Amber Hudson, who founded M.A.S.H. (Military and Service Heroes) in 2015. The pantry opened its Grove City location in 2016 and now operates in space provided at Victorious Living Church, 2996 Columbus St.

"Our overall mission is to help our military brothers and sisters in any way can," said Penny Kilcourse, the Grove City pantry coordinator. "The garden and greenhouses are a perfect fit for that mission."

Greenhouses are at eight sites, including one in Franklin County at the Paul S. Lawrence VFW Post 985, 2330 Steltzer Road, and three in Delaware County – at the Department of Ohio American Legion, 60 Big Run Road; Stockhands Horses for Healing, 3788 Olentangy River Road; and Camp Lazarus, 4428 Columbus Pike.

The pantry also operates greenhouses in Marion and Ross counties and two in Pickaway County.

The Grove City garden sits on land donated by local residents Larry and Mary Titus, Hudson said.

"The Grove City site was originally planned for a greenhouse, but it just didn't work out," she said. "We're buying greenhouses that aren't exactly top of the line, and the one we had for Grove City just started falling apart."

The project was converted into a garden with 48 beds, Hudson said.

A variety of produce is being grown at the site, she said.

"We've already been able to provide people with radishes, squash and zucchini that have been grown at the Grove City garden, and there's more coming as the season continues," Kilcourse said.

The project helps the pantry provide a healthier selection of food items, Hudson said.

"We're also able to help educate them about making healthier choices for the food they eat," she said.

"A lot of the produce we're providing them can be used as ingredients for all kinds of healthy dishes and desserts," Kilcourse said.

M.A.S.H. pantries are in Grove City, Delaware and Chilicothe.

The Grove City and Chilicothe sites are open from 8:30 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

The Delaware pantry, 222 E. William St., is open 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays.

The pantries also provide another type of nourishment, Hudson said.

"We always have donuts and coffee available," Hudson said. "A lot of veterans come in and sit and socialize. It helps them feel less alone."

A dedication ceremony for the Grove City garden was July 13, but the site has been operating since May, Hudson said.

The project's Facebook group has about 200 members and there is an army of volunteers helping out at the site, she said.

"There are people there just about every day," Hudson said. "They're doing everything from tending the beds to helping pull weeds to mowing. We couldn't do this project without our volunteers."

Grove City resident Don Strader and his wife, Billie, spend time working at the garden at least a couple times each week.

"I was just out there the other day going up and down the rows getting rid of the weeds," he said.

Working at the garden provides a way to give back to the veteran community and to enjoy being out in the fresh air and nature, Don Strader said.

"Amber and the pantry have done so much to help veterans in our community," he said.

Strader said, as a Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War, he appreciates the M.A.S.H. Pantry.

He and other Navy veterans decorated some of the beds at the garden with Navy insignia, he said.

"It's a way to help people keep veterans in mind and think about what the garden is all about," Strader said.

Angel Rowley is a volunteer with American Legion Post 164 in Grove City and at the garden site.

"I've always believed in any purpose that serves our veterans," she said. "Without their service, we wouldn't be able to enjoy all the freedoms and privileges we have in this country."

Legion members built many of the beds and decorated them with the Post 164 logo, Rowley said.

There is a great spirit of camaraderie among the volunteers at the garden, she said.

"It just makes everyone feel good doing something to benefit and recognize our veterans and first responders," Rowley said.

"The community has always been so supportive of the pantry," Hudson said. "And they've really stepped up to help us with the garden."

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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: M.A.S.H. pantry garden in Grove City provides produce for veterans, first responders