What began as a simple idea to help fill a need in the DeGraff community has grown into a valuable resource for local families.
Now in its third year, the free community produce stand located at New Beginnings Church, 27 North Main Street in DeGraff, continues to provide fresh produce, canned goods, and other food items to anyone who needs them.
The project was launched after DeGraff lost its local grocery store, leaving residents with fewer options for picking up everyday food items without making a trip to Bellefontaine.
“I originally came up with the idea because the need was there,” said Sue Walls, the ministry’s organizer. “People shouldn’t have to drive to Bellefontaine just for a few vegetables.”
The outreach is coordinated through the missions team at Cornerstone Fellowship of DeGraff in partnership with New Beginnings Church.
The effort started three years ago with a simple pop-up tent where gardeners could donate and share extra produce with neighbors.
As community support grew, organizers were able to build a more permanent structure at New Beginnings Church to house donated items and make the stand available on a more consistent basis.
Over time, the ministry has expanded beyond fresh vegetables.
Today, community members regularly donate non-expired canned goods and other non-perishable food items, helping to keep the shelves stocked for those in need.
The stand has become an important supplement for many families’ grocery budgets, especially as food costs continue to rise.
Walls says many residents have come to depend on the stand to help meet their grocery needs.
The ministry also receives weekly donations of additional food items from a local store through a partnership with the Buckeye Gospel Barn Food Pantry, which picks up the products and shares them with the DeGraff outreach.
Anyone traveling through DeGraff can spot the stand at New Beginnings Church on North Main Street.
What started as a small produce-sharing effort has grown into an ongoing outreach ministry that continues to provide food, hope, and support to families throughout the community.
