The Valley Educational Gardens Initiative’s (VEGI) roots run deep. Over three decades ago a teacher and community-member led initiative established a garden education program that grew into VEGI. Since then VEGI members have taught garden education and supported the expansion of community gardens and greenhouses across the San Luis Valley.  The 2021 season kicks off with a great legacy in mind by asking for generous grassroots support.

All are invited to a virtual VEGI Kick-off on Saturday, May 22nd from 4:30-6:30 PM.  Participants will receive a pre-portioned meal box with local ingredients. Together, enchiladas rojas and rosemary shortbread will be prepared during a Zoom celebration. Entitled the VEGI Kick-off, Cook-off. Among the festivities will be a swag giveaway and also VEGI has partnered with Squarepeg Brewerks to offer a rosemary kolsch with rosemary from their garden.  A meal box is $60 and a Squarepeg crowler is $10. You can be a part of this effort by pre-purchasing a ticket http://lapuentehome.org/vegikickoff. There is even an option to donate a box.

VEGI is a community-run organization that is supported by YOU: the individual donor. Profits earned from the event will go directly into VEGI’s operating budget, supporting everyday programs as well as efforts to grow. Donations will specifically help make infrastructure improvements in community gardens so they are a safe, functioning, and fun space to connect with the land and each other. In the works is a plan to update the fence around the Boyd Garden, building herb spirals, and planting perennials like Valiant Grapes.

Please consider this year’s Kick-Off Event. VEGI’s goal to end hunger by empowering SLV youth and adults to experience the joy of growing food from seed to harvest depends heavily on our community.