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Love Thy Neighbor

Posted

October 31, 2024

For decades, St. Edward High School has demonstrated its commitment to service by addressing food insecurity right here in Lakewood. Partnering with two local nonprofit organizations, canned goods, supplies, and produce grown in the school’s garden are distributed to households all over the city. This outreach, grounded in the school’s Holy Cross mission, alleviates hunger and instills hope.

Campus Farm

Tucked in the back corner of campus lies a small student-run social enterprise—an urban farm, affectionately known as FarmSTED. Here, fresh produce, eggs, and honey are harvested for neighbors in need.

The farm’s bounty is distributed through a partnership with the Lakewood Community Services Center, which prepares and delivers brown bags of groceries and supplies throughout the city. Last year, Edsmen proudly contributed more than 500 pounds of fresh produce. LCSC Operations Manager Michael James emphasizes how much clients value these donations, noting that fresh produce is a cherished treat due to cost and limited availability.

Lisa Hardin, who oversees the farming initiative, reflects on the experience: “Whether they’re gathering eggs before first period; weeding the beds and tending bees during lunch; or washing, packing, and delivering produce to households directly; our students see firsthand the meaningful difference their actions can make. The sense of purpose they gain, combined with the positive contributions to the residents of Lakewood, creates invaluable life lessons that resonate far beyond the classroom.”

Additionally, the farm’s bounty and related goods are sold at local farmers’ markets, with proceeds benefiting the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation, another vital community partner.


Holiday Food Drive

Founded in 1988, LCAC has earned its reputation as the "food drive people." For decades, St. Edward has proudly partnered with LCAC, mobilizing students to rally parents, alumni, school staff, and friends to support the annual holiday food drive. In the past five years alone, the St. Edward community has contributed nearly $85,000 and more canned goods than anyone can count!

This holiday season, St. Edward students are excited to team up with LCAC once again, aiming for their most ambitious goal yet: feeding 600 families by raising the necessary funds and collecting a whopping 20,000 cans!

Emily McGee, St. Edward's director of outreach and service, describes the goal as “lofty—but attainable thanks to the Eagle mindset—both that of the students who set a goal and work tirelessly to make it happen, as well as members of the St. Edward community who generously support their efforts to make a difference.”

If you’d like to contribute to the 2024 holiday food drive, click here.


Coming Soon

St. Edward is excited to announce a new addition to campus that underscores the school’s commitment to supporting Lakewood residents in need. This spring, construction will begin on a dedicated outdoor classroom and garden, which will become the heart of students’ farming efforts. The expansion will double the annual harvest, empowering students to grow and donate more food to LCSC, as well as increase funds raised through farmers’ market sales benefitting LCAC.

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The Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability will be an incredible space for learning and giving back! Accessible to all mobility types, it will feature:

  • A greenhouse, allowing students to produce crops year-round

  • A small structure with a kitchen where produce can be washed, packed, and refrigerated

  • New garden beds with an irrigation system designed to water crops efficiently

  • A redesigned and improved chicken coop

  • An outdoor classroom where members of the greater community can learn how to create their own sustainable gardens

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