About

In 2025, Wintergarden Presbyterian Church launched Nurturing the Neighborhood on Wintergarden, a nonprofit initiative created to expand the reach of our food pantry, community garden, food forest, and long-term disaster recovery work. Rooted in a deep passion for feeding people and strengthening our community, this new organization builds on the church’s long-standing commitment to service.

 

Our food ministry began in 2019 with the launch of the Garden of Eatin’ Food Pantry, created to address hunger in our neighborhood. As need grew, so did our efforts. What started by serving 40 families a week has grown into the largest food pantry in Charlotte County, now serving more than 560 families—or 2,500 individuals—each week. We also now maintain 26 community garden beds—6 of which are dedicated to growing produce for pantry guests—and over 36 fruit-bearing trees across our property. In addition, we provide emergency food assistance and maintain a sensory garden, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for all who visit.

 

Our reach extends into Desoto, Lee, and Sarasota Counties. Even as we face ongoing challenges in sourcing fresh food, our focus remains on sustainable nutrition and supplementing the diets of our neighbors in need.

 

Following the devastation of Hurricane Ian in September 2022, our mission expanded to include disaster recovery. In partnership with Wintergarden Presbyterian Church, Nurturing the Neighborhood on Wintergarden continues to host volunteer mission teams who assist with long-term rebuilding efforts. As we wrap up the recovery work from the past three years, we remain committed to what comes next—supporting our neighbors with resilience, compassion, and hope.