Volunteering on Bellmore Avenue

Produce and volunteerism abundant on Bellmore Avenue

On Bellmore Avenue in North Bellmore sits the quaint St. Francis Episcopal Church. The roadway, which goes from the town’s southern half and ends when it merges with Merrick Avenue, is well traveled, and many passing the church may be unfamiliar with not only its history, but also its community garden.

Although there is no cornerstone, parishioners estimate the church was built sometime between 1913 and 1919, making it more than 100 years old. A community-driven garden was founded on its grounds in more recent years, and has expanded extensively since.

It regularly serves the community by growing and selling fresh produce at weekly farm stands, and donating what is left over each week to local food banks and pantries in the area.

The volunteer-based garden is run by its manager, Kristin Talbot, who grew up in nearby Wantagh. She began her role at the church last year, and since then, has strived to make the garden a safe space for everyone, regardless of religious beliefs or physical ability.

With a focus on sustainability, no pesticides are used, and the garden is fertilized with compost. Bees from its honeybee hive pollinate the plant life and produce the garden’s honey that is sold at the stands.

Top: The Garden at St. Francis Episcopal Church is known for its commitment to the greater Bellmore community. Bottom: The garden’s abundant fields sit behind the church and church hall, just off of Bellmore Avenue.

The garden aims to not only provide food, but to also educate its neighbors on how to maintain and sustain a healthy garden. It runs events throughout the year, such as Pollinator Week. Talbot feels the more people know about gardening, the easier it will be for them to bring skills and knowledge into their own backyard.

The Rev. Grace Flint says she was excited to come to a church where community outreach is already embedded in its values.

The garden has volunteer hours from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The farm stand is open every Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., either outside the church or inside the church hall. For more, or to learn how to volunteer, call (516) 679-1184.

The church and garden are located at 1692 Bellmore Ave., in North Bellmore. — Jordan Vallone

Tim Baker/Herald photos Top: Volunteer Carl Bucking helped the Rev. Grace Flint with some of the vegetables.

Middle left: Camille Gaynor, a longtime garden volunteer, weighed some zucchini and potatoes at a weekend farm stand.

Middle right: Garden manager Kristin Talbot, with the Rev. Grace Flint in the garden. Bottom: Beth Baier from North Merrick, and Amy Long, who teaches brain and body yoga Classes at the church, chatted with Kristin Talbot about some of the produce.