St. John's garden enhances food pantry

Fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful this time of year and readily available to consumers at local produce stands and at the supermarket. However, this nutritious seasonal bounty is not easily affordable to everyone, including those individuals and families who rely on local food pantries to supplement their menus.

Jen Mayer, coordinator of Adult Faith Formation at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, hopes to change that for the clients served by the church's food pantry.

Ms. Mayer has started a small garden with 20 tomato plants, the Long Keeper variety, which she purchased at the Providence Center greenhouse in...