MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Grater Lansing Food Bank was first founded around 1981. Shortly after they got started, they realized that giving out food alone wasn't going to be enough to combat hunger in the area.

"And The Garden Project was started," said Garden Project Manger Alex Bryan, "The idea being that we can help people help, help themselves then they'll be better off. It's that pull yourself up by your boot straps mentality that we're so fond of in the U.S. and especially in Michigan."

Since the project began it has grown in size and in surrounding communities each and very year.

This garden season alone Bryan said, "This last year, this last season we're looking at about 20,000 plant starts and about 10,000 seed packets that went through the door. Thousands of visitors coming through. It's quite amazing on a Tuesday night seeing people lined up 40 deep waiting to get plants you know to grow their own food; it's quite inspiring."

Wether you grow for you and your family, friends, or others in the community; anyone can participate in the garden project. Everyone has their own reason behind why they choose to participate, but Bryan shared one of the most gratifying moments was hear a participant says, "I need food, I need assistance, but if I can grow it my own that's how I get to hang on to who I am;" "And hearing that from someone who cares so much about it, who gives back to us to help with other people, It means a lot, it means a heck of a lot."

The Garden Project is always looking for participants, garden leaders, and donations to keep the program growing.