Folks who shop at two North Hills area food pantries soon will be able to fill their carts with produce that their neighbors have grown.

A one-third-acre plot at 119 Davis Ave. in Bellevue has been planted with potatoes, green beans, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins and other vegetables and herbs for pantries that North Hills Community Outreach operates. The NHCO is a nonprofit organization that serves nearly 5,000 families annually.

The edible garden, which already is yielding basil, parsley and chard, will be dedicated as the Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Memorial Garden at 1:30 pm Sunday with a ribbon-cutting and blessing service. The garden is on land that Terrie Amelio donated to NHCO in honor of her late mother. Amelio’s family tended the land for years and wanted to ensure it would become a community resource, said Jennifer Drayton, NHCO’s development manager.

“The donated land was an amazing kindness, and we’ve had 100 or more people pitch in to plant or to fundraise so we can buy things we need for the garden,” Drayton said. “Our tagline is ‘people helping people.’ This is just the way we work.”

Sponsoring organizations include Comcast Foundation; Bellevue Borough, which supplies water for irrigation; and Allegheny Grows, a partnership of the Allegheny County Economic Development, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Grow Pittsburgh.

As Grow Pittsburgh’s city growers’ coordinator, Marisa Manheim has had a hand in helping the garden take root. She called the project a win-win for everyone.

“People who might not otherwise have access to fresh, organically-grown produce are getting food with good nutritional value, and the people who are growing the food are developing a sense of empowerment that comes from learning new skills,” Manheim said. “They are also experiencing the rewards of joining together to realize a larger vision.”

Volunteer gardener Sheila McCall, 55, of Ohio Township, can attest to that.

“One of the nicest things about the project is getting to know and work with other people from the community,” said McCall, who has helped with planting and weeding.

“I buy organic produce for myself and want to see others enjoy it, too. I was also curious about how it is grown. Volunteering for the garden was a chance to blend all of those interests,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot while serving a great cause. I’ve been fortunate in my life, and this is a way to give back.”

McCall will help stock coolers with the fruits of her labor because she volunteers at the North Boroughs Food Pantry at 100 S. Jackson Street on the Allegheny General Hospital suburban campus. It is one of two pantries the garden supplies for the NHCO. The other is the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at 1975 Ferguson Road in Allison Park.

“We’re hoping for a bumper crop, so we can provide even more pantries with surplus,” Drayton said.

North Hills outreach has seen an upswing in the number of folks turning to food pantries for groceries, said Susan Rohm, assistant executive director of NHCO.

“And it’s all over the map in terms of ages and whether they are single or married, retired or with young kids. There are more ‘working poor’ in this economy.”

Pantries were given a choice in which crops are raised, Manheim said.

“We suggested they request the sorts of vegetables that aren’t readily available through other sources,” she said.

The garden will yield crops, all grown without chemical pesticides, through early fall. Fencing keeps rabbits and other critters away, and a compost bin built early this year is serving as a source for fertilizer.  

“I stopped by the garden [Sunday], and it looked great,” said Drayton. The pepper plants were flowering, so we’ll soon have peppers. I can’t believe how beautifully everything is growing.”

There will be a garden party from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at James Porch Gazebo, next to Bayne Library, at 34 N. Balph Avenue, after the ribbon-cutting. The party is free and open to the public.

North Hills Community Outreach helps struggling families with food, utility costs, financial planning, legal needs, caregiving and more. No matter your interest, ability or availability, chances are the group has a great volunteer opportunity available. Positions include administrative/clerical work, fundraising, special events, the food pantry, school projects and coaching for individuals looking for employment.

To volunteer, contact Linda Robins at 412-487-6316, or visit the website at www.​nhco.​org/​volunteer.​htm.