Algonquin Cub Scouts Plant Seedlings for Food Pantry Garden

Members of Cub Scout Pack 368 didn't let a little heat and humidity stall their ambitious volunteer efforts on Sunday morning.

Joined by parents and siblings, the scouts planted vegetable seedlings at the Algonquin Wastewater Treatment facility on Route 31. Equipped with small shovels, a healthy attitude and the promise of a trip for ice cream afterwards, the scouts wasted no time getting down to the business of planting.

The group used plants grown in the newly renovated greenhouse at Jacobs High School by high school volunters. The plants eventually will bear fresh produce for the Algonquin-LITH Interfaith Food Pantry.

The assortment of corn, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, tomatillos and sweet potatoes were planted in areas where one might expect to see shrubs, flowers or other decorative vegetation.

Last year, volunteers at the wastewater treatment plant decided to plant vegetables in lieu of typical landscaping as a way to help the Algonquin-LITH Interfaith Food Pantry.

"We're taking public land and making food," said Food Pantry Master Gardener Laurie Selpien.

Cub Scout Pack 368 meets at Light of Christ Church in Algonquin.

Related Patch Article: Jacobs Greenhouse: School's Best Kept Secret is Growing Again