It appears that the engineers who work at Intel’s DuPont Campus have a very green thumb. At least that’s the impression you get after visiting Intel’s 22 raised beds that are packed full of broccoli, lettuce, spinach, beans, peas, carrots, radishes, onions, and dozens of other vegetables located on the south side of their DuPont facility. “It’s apparent that the engineers wanted to put their hands into the dirt,” said Stu Vannerson, Director of Intel DuPont Community Gardens. The company that is known for computer chips is doing its part in helping put fresh, healthy food on the table for local families in need.
Stu Vannerson of Intel and Beth Elliott of FISH Food Bank of Pierce County hold boxes and bags of fresh produce harvested out of the Intel DuPont Community Garden.
The garden is the result of a challenge issued by the head of Intel, Paul S. Otellini in 2008. He challenged the company to perform 1 million hours of community service, worldwide. “A number of our people were already volunteering at a community gardens across the south sound, so we thought why not start an agricultural service project right here on campus,” said Vannerson. Their goal was to grow healthy, organic produce and donate all of it to local food banks.
With that, the non-profit organization of Intel DuPont Community Gardens was born. A fall garden, grown in raised beds built by Intel employee volunteers, was planted in 2009, with all the produce going to the Thurston County Food Bank.
“That one crop was enough to generate interest to make it what it is today,” said Vannerson.
In 2010, the project expanded to include twenty 5′x25′ raised-beds, all planted in March and April. Materials for the raised bed were purchased through Lumbermans/ProBuild out of Fife and the Mill Outlet in Tacoma. Employees chipped in to purchase the supplies for the project.
“They gave us a great deal on cedar and fir lumber for the beds,” commented Vannerson. The newly installed fencing and irrigation system was generously donated by Intel. The soil which these leafy green vegetables are growing in packs a punch, based on the size and yields of produce so far.
“The soil came from H&B Topsoils in Tacoma, and it’s amazing. We haven’t had to add in any fertilizers or soil additives,” said Vannerson.
Radishes and lettuce recently harvested at Intel DuPont Community Garden.
Each raised bed is sponsored by a department of Intel. Employees take time out of their schedules to weed, water and harvest. So far over 200 pounds of food has been harvested, with 150 pounds going to Thurston County Food Bank, and 50 pounds going to FISH Food Bank in Pierce County. It’s a donation that is greatly appreciated.
“These are the best looking radishes I’ve ever seen,” exclaimed FISH Food Bank Executive Director, Beth Elliott as she excitedly carried a box of fresh radishes out of Intel DuPont Community Gardens. “It is wonderful to have fresh produce to provide to our customers. People love it. It flies right out the door the day it comes in. I think it is absolutely wonderful that the employees of Intel recognized a need and found a creative way to contribute,” said Elliott.
FISH also receives fresh produce from Mother Earth Farm, an 8 acre organic farm in Orting operated by the Emergency Food Network, and from individuals who donate extra produce that is grown from their own gardens.
“Even though the economy is slowing picking up we still have seen an increase in need,” said Elliott. “From January through May we have served over 144,600 individuals, a 22% increase over the same period of time in 2009.”
While the need for fresh produce is growing, Intel DuPont Community Gardens is also considering growing even more. “We are talking about extending the growing season and adding a greenhouse to the garden,” said Vannerson. He also envisions Intel DuPont Community Gardens as something the entire community could participate in starting 2011. “I’d like to see this garden become a true community garden, and have us engage with elementary school teachers, residents or groups who are interested in growing their own produce but also giving back to the greater community,” said Vannerson.
That might be a proposition anyone with a green thumb could dig. If you are interested in sponsoring a bed for 2011, email Stu Vannerson at stu.vannerson@comcast.net. To see the Intel DuPont Community Garden, be sure to swing by the Intel Farmer’s Market on July 14, 28 and August 11 and 25, located at 2800 Center Drive in DuPont. Intel DuPont Community Gardens can also be found on Facebook.
