Members of an Oakville church decided to provide nutritious food for the hungry of south county during the hot summer months.

Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church members last spring planted zucchini, tomatoes and peppers in a 30-foot-by-60-foot garden on an underused part of the church property. So far the garden has produced almost 500 pounds of vegetables, all donated to Feed My People.

Deacon Terry Fournier, who heads the project, was inspired by a church farm in Maryland last summer.

“I had the opportunity to work with First Fruits of Maryland. This not-for-profit farm plants over 200 acres of vegetables and fruits, supplying the food banks with fresh produce,” Fournier stated in a news release. “I would love to start something like that here in St. Louis. This small garden is a start.”

Plans for next year include healthier plants and better weed control, the release stated. The garden furthers Good Shepherd’s mission to serve the Oakville community in practical ways.