Student-led garden at Fox Chapel Area High School to help feed community

An organic idea by two rising Fox Chapel Area seniors is expected to make a lasting impact on their larger school community.

James Manges and Aavree Hill are creating a community garden at the high school, the crops from which will help feed those in need.

Fruits and veggies will be donated to the Free Fridge program at Second Harvest Community Thrift Store in Sharpsburg. The pantry is stocked three days a week with fresh food, frozen meats and prepared meals.

“We hope to grow this long-term,” said Hill, 17, of Sharpsburg. “We plan on continuing this into our senior year and hopefully coming back during the summers after handing over the project to underclassmen.”

The project is funded by two $500 grants, one from nonprofit Fox Families Care and another from the Fox Leadership Council, the high school’s student government group.

Hill and Manges recruited a group of students to dig into the volunteer project with them.

They’ve developed a summer program to help grow the garden – they planted seedlings in a greenhouse last month and since then, have purchased wood to construct four planting beds.

“We plan to have a fence go up in the next few days and are putting in mushroom manure,” Hill said.

Junior Emily Korczynski, 17, of Indiana Township, didn’t hesitate to get her hands dirty.

“When I first heard about it, I thought it was a kind and thoughtful way of giving back to our community,” said Korczynski, co-chair of the school’s community outreach club. “I can’t wait to see where the project goes. It is so much more than just a garden.

“I hope that it is something that will last for future generations to help them learn and understand how their actions can impact many lives for the better.”

School counselor Rachel Machen said she’s impressed with the students’ passion.

From cutting wood and making the planter boxes, to planning a summer rotation of volunteers to water and weed, the teens are creating lasting change, she said.

“I love that they want to help the community,” Machen said.

According to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, there is an 11.4% food insecurity rate in Allegheny County.

Sharpsburg was labeled as a food desert because people don’t have walkable access to a grocery store, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Free Fridge at Second Harvest was founded in 2022 to help alleviate the struggles in accessing healthy food. The take-what-you-need, leave-what-you-can model is open 24/7.

Bonnie DeMotte, executive director at Second Harvest, said she is grateful for the students’ consideration.

“It is so inspiring to see youth act on their passions and build something positive to effect change in their backyard,” DeMotte said.