Dishing the Dirt: August 2025 Newsletter

Hello my friends!

Remember this number: 4655 - I will explain in a minute.

I cannot believe that August is almost over! What a summer we have had! It has been hot, sometimes wet, sometimes dry…did I mention hot? Even in the heat, we’ve had volunteers come out and help weed and harvest, including the Youth In Action from Kent County Parks and Recreation, as well as the Summer of Service Program from the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education. These students came out and helped keep the garden growing and producing. One student summed it up perfectly when he said, “I’ve never sweat so much in my life.” Thank you so much!

Some of you have been asking for an update on my less-than-glamorous housing situation as described in the last newsletter. Well, I am absolutely THRILLED to say that I am once again enjoying indoor plumbing, running water, AND electricity! I cannot adequately describe how grateful I am for these things. It’s amazing how much one takes for granted. You just assume that there will always be a roof over your head, clean clothes to wear, a place to take a warm shower, and healthy food to eat. It’s basic dignity. Everyone deserves these things. Unfortunately, we know that that is not always the case.

I once read a beautiful quote: “Feeding people is a way of loving them.”

This perfectly sums up the purpose of Sandy’s Garden. I wish with all of my heart that I could solve all the problems in this world. I wish that I could take away all of the pain and sorrow. I cannot. But I can grow a garden. That is the way that I will love my neighbor. This is also the way that I will not take things like food, clothing, and shelter for granted. I thank you for helping me do this.

Do you remember the number? 4655.

It’s the number of pounds of produce that we have donated since April! And we’ve just planted for fall! There will be even more food - AKA love - to share.

With love and gratitude

Sandy Zappia 🙂

Executive Director