Moab gardener grows produce of prayer

Intermountain Catholic

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Kristina Cassidy stands with Bob Doherty, who has donated the land for the garden that she tends. The produce is donated to the Grand County Food Bank.

MOAB — Kristina Cassidy heard Jesus' command to feed his flock, but she lacked a place to put her gardening skills to work helping people in need. Meanwhile, Patty Strosnider and her sister prayed for an answer to the problem of their father's 1/3 of an acre yard, which was overgrown now that their mother had passed on.

The answer to all their prayers was Susan Bafico, who knew both women and introduced them to each other. Four days after that introduction in April, Cassidy began a garden on Bob Doherty's land, where his wife Bebee once grew zucchini, gourds and grapes. By July the garden had produced 54 pounds of vegetables that Cassidy donated to the Grand County Food Bank, as well as providing the basis for 115 meals that Cassidy cooked for the homeless and needy families.

"She is just awesome," said Ruby Robinson, Grand County Food Bank assistant manager, adding that Cassidy not only donates the vegetables but also bags them so they can be easily carried. "She's just really concerned about the needy people here in Moab. She says she's been there and she knows what it's like and it's nice to give back. I wish there were more people like her."

The fresh produce benefits food bank clients because about 80 percent live in apartments or trailer courts where they can't grow their own, Robinson said.

"It is more than just giving out free food, it is about companionship and being good neighbors, and helping to give of our time, money, food or whatever to help our fellow man during these hard times today," said Cassidy, a member of Saint Pius Parish who owns her own landscaping company.

The garden got a late start because of the unseasonably cold spring. A heavy frost in mid-April killed the first peas, tomatoes and squash, Cassidy said. Now, however, "I've got all different kinds of squash – summer squash and winter squash, butternut and acorn, yellow and the green zucchini – and then we have all different kinds of cucumbers. We have beans, peas, tomatoes, turnips, beets, parsnips, kale and chard like you would not believe; potatoes and onions. Peppers, tons of peppers – I have like five different varieties, and eggplant." In addition, she grows sweet corn, basil, parsley, dill and chives.

"This was an answer to a prayer," said Strosnider, who lives in Colorado. She and her sister were trying to maintain their 83-year-old father's yard by traveling to Moab once a month, but it was becoming overgrown nonetheless. She was skeptical when she first heard Cassidy's request because she didn't think it would be carried out, but has been thrilled with the results, she said.

Doherty, who contributed not only the land and the water for the garden but also a set of solar-powered lights that help keep the deer away at night, said he's willing to have Cassidy back again next year. "I'm sure my wife would approve," he said.