John Fallon lives in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts. He saw a unique opportunity in the middle of his community. In fact, John saw this opportunity in the middle of the street. It was an opportunity to respond to a problem that is present in almost every community. The problem of hunger is significant in our country and in our world.
As John was driving along one day, the retired engineer realized that there was a significant amount of land in the middle of each street. The traffic islands in his community of Beverly Farms are significant in size. John went to the city council and asked for permission to turn the middle of several streets of the community into gardens that would be used to feed the hungry. It took a little work, but with the promise that the food would only be used for those in need and that he would not profit from the work, John led the efforts to plant the first seeds that would eventually feed many in their community.
In 2016, John began to cultivate 8,000 square feet of garden and it was a success. The community pitched in, the local seed company donated the seeds, and by the end of the growing season John had harvested over 3,000 pounds of produce. Each year since, John and the volunteers of Beverly Farms have improved their gardens and their harvest. This year the street gardens produced 5,000 pounds of fresh food. More than food, John and these gardens have proved the blessings of bringing a community together.
The opportunities to love our neighbors are all around us. John Fallon demonstrated that, with just a little imagination, we can turn the simple and mundane into a garden of blessings. As I read about the gardens in Beverly Farms, I asked myself, “What is right in front of me… what do I drive past each day… that could be used to bless another person?” What could you do to love your neighbor today? How could you use your gifts to bless life? With a little love and a little work, we could plant the seeds today that will provide great love to world.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
