NEWBURG — Preston County has a unique food pantry called Up With Newburg that is unlike the other county food pantries.
This one delivers food to its clients and it’s not income based.
Nicole Larew, who runs the pantry and does the deliveries, said she brings food to home-bound clients or to those without transportation. She said the pantry serves Newburg, Tunnelton and Fellowsville.
To locate those who need the service, the pantry reaches out to churches and the community to find individuals who qualify.
Larew has also added a community garden through Grow This, a program through West Virginia University Extension.
“It’s a competition and we’re doing it for points for a grant. So far we’re ahead,” She said.
Larew said the garden will be maintained by volunteers who work to plant, weed and take care of the grounds. She said the Master Gardeners from the Extension Office are involved in starting the seeds.
On Tuesday, Larew and Kozue Maye, a member of the WVU Extension Service Family Nutrition Program Health Educator, proposed the installation of a demonstration garden in Kingwood. Maye asked Kingwood Council members about a plot of land at South Price and West High streets.
Mayor Jean Guillot said he thought a community garden would be beneficial but said he would like to suggest a different location.
“I would prefer a different lot,” he said. “In August, we’ll have a piece of property on 26 Pierce St. and prefer having a garden there instead of on Price Street. We use the space on Price Street for the Summer Fest. The plot on North Street, near Dr. Michael Schwarzenberg’s, office is large enough that you can have your garden, put a shed on it for your tools and do composting. You would have to wait until after Aug. 26.”
Councilman Randy Plum suggested Larew and Maye look at the lot and come to the next council meeting to let them know if it will work for what they have planned.
Larew said anyone who wishes to help with the garden in Newburg is welcome.
“We will be planting from 9 a.m. to noon on (Saturday) at the garden on Water Street,” she said. “We’re also going to have a seed and seedling swap. If someone has too many seeds or seedlings, they can bring them and swap for different ones. Everyone is welcome, no matter where they live in Preston County.
“The garden and food pantry will help a lot of people. It’s crazy how many road blocks you run into when you’re just trying to help people.”
Anyone in Newburg, Tunnelton or Fellowsville, who is home-bound or without transportation, can call 304-892-3338 or email newburgrows@gmail.com.
