Life’s Blessings: Raceland resident continues to make lemonade out of lemons
November 5, 2014
Scholarship created for students with various learning disorders
November 5, 2014Capital One Bank has aided people with their finances since 1988. Now, its associates are helping feed the mouths of folks who need it most.
Capital One joined with the St. Francis Community Vegetable Garden Project as part of the bank’s “Investing for Good” program, which seeks to feed folks in need throughout the year.
The program is designed for nonprofit work, which has tallied more than 100 projects in Louisiana throughout the past several years.
“October is a busy time for us on the community development side and this decision to join was a no-brainer,” said Robbie Naquin, an area Capital One president. “We believe strongly in investing in our communities. Strong communities give people nice places to work, nice businesses and a good place to raise families. It is good for everybody.”
The garden project marked Naquin’s first outing as a volunteer, but for others, it was their fourth time giving of their time and talents.
Naquin said he was surprised at the half-acre garden and how much food could be planted in it.
“The garden is bigger than I imagined,” he said. “It is amazing how something this size can feed so many people. I expected something a lot smaller.”
Capital One, Lowes, John Deere and Starbucks helped purchase the seeds, soil and equipment used.
“It has been fun because I have been interacting with people and businesses from the community,” said Josi Ortte, garden volunteer coordinator. “It has been great getting involved with the community and getting people involved.”
The garden is being readied for St. Francis’s fall harvest.
A number of vegetables – carrots, cucumbers, zucchini and 101 other items – are grown there.
Chris Ledet, executive director of the garden, initially expressed interest in partnering with Catholic Charities and the City of Thibodaux to grow the garden to serve three purposes: to donate products to local food banks, to host field trips for children in an effort to promote healthy living and also to provide gardening demonstrations from local farmers benefiting both parties.
