Massillon Community Health Garden

Welcome to the Massillon Community Health Garden

Now entering our third season, the Massillon Community Health Garden continues to thrive and grow—both in the soil and in spirit. What began in 2023 as a small community effort has blossomed into a powerful initiative dedicated to improving access to fresh, nutritious food for our neighbors in need.

Our Purpose

We’re committed to addressing food insecurity in Massillon by growing fresh produce and distributing it to local families, food pantries, and community organizations. Each year, thanks to the generosity and hard work of our volunteers, donors, and partners, we’ve grown more food and reached more people.

• 2023: 28 pounds of produce distributed
• 2024: 332 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables shared with the community

Our harvests reach clients of the Massillon Health Department, the Salvation Army, St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Joseph's Church, the SAM Center, and residents of the Walnut Hill neighborhood.

Community Powered from the Ground Up

This garden is made possible through deep community collaboration. Each spring, the land is prepped for planting with help from General Rent-All Massillon and students from Massillon Washington High School’s Construction Trades Program. Our annual Planting Day in mid-May brings together dedicated volunteers from Arrow Passage Recovery, the Massillon Lions Club, Legacy Remix, and local residents who all work side-by-side to get the garden growing.

We proudly grow a wide variety of produce, including:

• Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, squash
• Green beans, onions, corn, eggplants, and tomatillos
• Strawberries, edamame, and new in 2025—blueberry bushes

Support That Makes it All Possible

Our success is rooted in the incredible support from donors and community partners.

• In 2023, the Austin Bailey Foundation funded our first season, with excavation by Bachtel Excavating, utility placement from Aqua Ohio, and hands-on help from the Massillon Lions Club.
• In 2024, we raised funds for a new garden fence—thanks to our generous donors, especially Irene Grey, our largest contributor.
• In 2025, we welcomed Freshmark Sugardale as a new community partner, contributing a substantial financial donation. The Massillon Lions Club and Doering Vision Center continue to provide both monetary and physical support.

We are also grateful for the ongoing donations of plants, soil, and expertise from Moyer's Nursery and Landscaping and Mazzocca's Greenhouse.

Growing Together

As the Massillon Community Health Garden continues to expand, we invite you to grow with us. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word—your support cultivates a healthier, stronger community.

Together, we’re planting hope and harvesting change.