Wenatchee Adventist Church Opens Garden for Community

By Isaac Meythaler, UCC Communications Coordinator

and Richie Brower, Serve One More Associate Director

The community garden, called The Edge, is more than just a community garden; it’s a shift in perspective based on Leviticus 19:9-10: “When you harvest, leave the edges for those who are poor and aliens.” This simple yet profound idea speaks to the importance of leaving room for others. In a world often consumed by scarcity and isolation, The Edge serves as a powerful reminder that generosity can turn barren spaces into places of connection, growth, and hope.

“The Edge began with the idea that if the edges of our properties, our time, and our lives were surrounded by generosity; hunger and isolation would diminish,” said Wenatchee Adventist Church pastor Troy Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald first began The Edge in 2014 at Walla Walla Valley Academy where it operated for 2-3 years. In 2021, work began on a new garden across the street from the Walla Walla University church. When Fitzgerald moved to Wenatchee in 2024, he brought The Edge idea with him.

The Wenatchee project began with a locally funded garden behind the Avamere Retirement Center, transforming a vacant plot of land into a flourishing community garden.

As roots in the garden grew deeper, so did interactions between residents, their families, and volunteers. One resident shared with a volunteer how the growing garden has given them hope while going through difficult changes.

Shortly after The Edge started in Wenatchee, word of a garden offering free vegetables only a mile away from campus spread to local college students. Students began regularly coming to pick vegetables they couldn’t afford elsewhere, or to relax in between their studies.

One volunteer shared how residents often stopped to chat, reminiscing about their own gardening experiences. “It’s a beautiful thing,” she said. “This garden brings everyone together.”

“My favorite story from the garden is when I found Hector, a local taco vendor, quietly gathering ingredients for his business from the garden,” said Fitzgerald. “When I said hello, Hector nervously explained how he was trying to make ends meet and how his kids needed shoes and school supplies, and he said he didn’t want to take too much. I listened and reassured him that this garden was made for moments like this, leaving room for a little more.”

Hector’s story reflects the heart of The Edge’s mission: It’s not about who benefits more or less; it’s about creating space for others to thrive, whether through a fresh meal, a moment of relief, or the simple joy of connection.

“The Edge is a living reminder that when we leave room for others, life flourishes—not just in soil but in our hearts and communities,” said Fitzgerald. “In these last months I’ve been amazed to watch generosity, connection, and joy grow in ways I could never imagine.”

Serving one’s community is very much a part of the Serve One More project at Upper Columbia Conference. If you would like to join the mission to Serve One More, either by volunteering, donating, or simply sharing the harvest, see www.serveonemore.org.