What is a Tree of Life? A sacred product of nature’s bounty that sustains the environment, beautifies its surroundings, and stands majestically for years to come. In the case of Tree of Life, Community Food Bank’s (CFB) sustainable giving initiative, these trees are living up to their majestic name, providing life and nourishment to those in need.
Through this unique program, donors can purchase fruit trees that will be planted and harvested on CFB’s property at 5259 W Cardinal Street in Homosassa, and that will bear fruit to help feed the more than 70,000 people served through CFB’s more than 60 partner agencies throughout Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties.
“As we cleared the vast expanse of land at our Citrus headquarters and planted gardens there, we wanted to plant trees that would not only be a sustainable gift to the landscape, but would also nourish our customers,” explains Barbara Sprague, CEO/Executive Director of the Community Food Bank. “We want to provide more than just food donations: we want to provide food that will nourish and sustain people, just as these trees nourish the land. With that in mind, we chose to plant fruit trees.”
When selecting a tree, visitors can choose from lemon, apple, pear, peach or avocado, with each tree offering a different price. “Visitors can share the bounty of our trees with the community,” Sprague said.
Individuals, families, organizations, businesses, etc. who purchase these trees can dedicate a tree in their own name or the name of a person, pet, or business they wish to honor, and these benefactors will receive a blessing in return.
“Regardless of who they are honoring, their tree will come with a plaque and certificate and will have lifetime maintenance to ensure the beauty and usability of the gift,” Sprague said.
Additionally, patrons can dedicate a tree to someone of their choice, living or deceased. “Typically, a tree is dedicated in memory of someone who has passed away,” Sprague says. “We encourage people to plant a tree in memory of a loved one who has passed away, but we also encourage people to buy a tree to commemorate a wedding, a graduation, a pet, etc.”
“This is a tree of life,” she emphasized. “It can be planted to mark milestones in life.”
Those wishing to donate more can purchase and dedicate an entire tree, and the Tree of Life’s four founding patrons will receive a large tree plaque that will be permanently installed at the front of the garden.
For more information about the Tree of Life program or to purchase a tree, visit https://feed352.org/trees/
Hernando County tree donors can be assured that the fruit harvested from their Tree of Life will benefit all CFB member organizations, including Hernando County’s eight food pantries and nonprofits. And Sprague promises that this is just the beginning.
“We’re looking for office and warehouse space in Hernando,” she said. “We want to serve and feed more people in that county.”
Call 352-628-3663 to discuss opportunities to spread love and food in Hernando with CFB’s help.
