New Greenhouse Helps Produce More Garden Vegetables

Meals for our shelter and supportive housing programs will include more just-picked vegetables, thanks to a new greenhouse that opened in our 26-row produce garden.

The greenhouse came as surprise gift from Bank of America employees, who learned in a day of volunteering that the existing greenhouse had outlived its lifespan. They returned to cut the ribbon on the new structure and plant its first vegetable seeds.

Produce from our garden saves an estimated $300 per week on food costs for our shelter and housing programs. Our culinary team uses the harvest in making 13,000 meals a month that are delivered to several sites around Marin. The new greenhouse holds 1,500 seedlings and makes the garden even more productive.

“The unveiling of Homeward Bound of Marin’s greenhouse shows the power of community connections and volunteerism,” said Jason Foster, president, Bank of America North Bay. “Not only will Homeward Bound soon be able to produce more fruits and vegetables for Marin County residents who utilize their services, they’ll save money doing it– this is a win-win for everyone.”

“The connection with our Bank of America volunteers has been really strong. They picked up on the need for a greenhouse and responded with a totally amazing donation to promise many harvests to come,” said Mary Kay Sweeney, co-Chief Executive Officer for Homeward Bound of Marin.

The garden has operated since 2000, when Homeward Bound of Marin opened the 80-bed New Beginnings Center. A full-time garden supervisor works with volunteers to maintain the garden year-round.