So it turns out that the food grown closest to home is likely going to be the freshest and best tasting food around. North Dakotans are fortunate. Many of us are able to buy our beef, pork, poultry, produce, or eggs from a nearby farming friend. Or, maybe you farm yourself. For those without the ability or space, however, farming simply may not be an option. Sometimes, fresh, high-quality produce can even be difficult to fit into the budget! What if there was a way to provide fresh fruits for anybody who wants it, for free, while also producing an opportunity for those who wish to cultivate their own food?

The Garrison Community Orchard aims to do just that. Made possible by a grant through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, the community is able to provide a space where locals can grow or harvest their own fruit trees and berries. Ninety-three trees and shrubs of thirty-three different varieties were planted in 2021 by helpful volunteers, including many Garrison High School agriculture students! There are eight different types of apples, five different types of cherries, three different types of pears, raspberries, cranberries, grapes, and more! These fruits aren’t just high in the essential nutrients that our bodies need - they are also fun to grow and beautiful to look at!

As the orchard matures, everyone in the community is welcome to come and take some fruit, tend to the branches and brambles, or maybe even pick some for a neighbor who may not be able to themselves. Growing and eating local food helps to strengthen our connections to our communities and the economy we live in. No wonder there is a farm-to-table craze taking root in cities across the United States – fresh food just tastes better! Literally tasting the fruits of your labor is pretty great, too!