In Clark County, Washington, a unique community service site is planting more than seeds; it’s cultivating a mission. The Clark County Veterans Garden in Vancouver, Washington, a criminal justice community service site, has long served as a source of nourishment and purpose, growing fresh food for local food banks while providing a pathway for reintegration and connection for those exiting the justice system.
Now, with the help of a Lowe’s community impact grant, the organization is expanding its capacity to give even more.
The grant is helping fund a new 30-by-72-foot greenhouse on the garden property. Once completed, the structure will extend the garden’s growing season and significantly increase the amount of fresh produce it can donate to the community’s food banks.
“This greenhouse is a game-changer,” said Michael Peterson, crew chief from the garden. “The experience that Lowe’s brought to the table here was fantastic.”
Lowe’s community impact grant program commits funding to projects that make lasting improvements in the places associates and customers call home. The Clark County Veterans Garden project is one of 100 community projects selected this year for support.
Beyond fresh food, the garden also offers a second chance for many participants. As part of the local criminal justice system, individuals complete community service hours at the site, learning valuable skills in horticulture, teamwork and civic responsibility.
When Lowe’s participates, it just says a lot about your business and what you're about.
For Lowe’s, the partnership reflects a deepening investment in community resilience and local leadership. As the greenhouse begins construction, its promise of a fuller harvest and a fuller future comes into view.
