Seed and Feed Project

The "Seed and Feed Project" is an initiative of the Mercy Centre for Ecology and Justice, under the leadership of the coordinator of the Centre, Sister Mary Tee, assisted by Sister Maureen O'Keefe. The project consists of an organic garden where the youth of the Kilbride area will grow vegetables to help the poor of the city of St. John's. The workers are a group of eleven students who have planted seeds of root vegetables which they will later harvest and donate to food banks in the city later in the year. The project began on June 14 with a Prayer Service, The Blessing Seed.

The youth involved in the project are individuals who attended the World Youth Day in Toronto in 2002 and were challenged to be "doers" of the Word, not just "hearers". They now see this project as a way in which they can be of assistance to the poor and less fortunate people of our area.

Through gardening these students will come to a greater awareness of their own interconnectedness with all of life. By discovering an appreciation for the land, they will gain a greater reverence and respect for themselves and for all creation and come to know the aesthetic value it holds for them. The project will also give the youth involved an opportunity to enhance their contribution to their community and through working with a shared vision and purpose they will experience what it means to help create meaningful community.

The land for the project was a generous donation of Colin Lester of Lester Farms. A Project Proposal was prepared and sent to the Government seeking funds to cover operating expenses. The students are assisted by a number of adults who are generously donating their time and expertise while providing resources in various ways. All are to be commended for their commitment to youth through this innovative venture.