HUNTERSVILLE, NC — April 7, 2026 — New Beginnings Moravian Garden will officially kick off its seventh summer growing season on April 25. Founded in 2019, this vital outreach ministry of New Beginnings Moravian Church has become a cornerstone of food security for North Mecklenburg County, transforming a portion of the church's 13-acre property into a source of nourishment and community hope.
Situated at the prominent intersection of Sam Furr and Black Farms Roads, the garden was established with a singular mission: to provide high-quality, fresh produce to neighbors facing food insecurity. While 100% of the harvest was originally donated to Angels & Sparrows Community Table and Resource Center, the ministry has expanded its reach in recent years. Today, the garden also stocks the church's own Hope Corner Food Pantry and operates a community roadside stand on Black Farms Road.
The garden's success is driven by a dedicated team of church volunteers and community members led by John B. Marek, a local author and certified gardening instructor. Marek's expertise in sustainable land use has helped the garden evolve from a modest plot into a sophisticated operation that serves as a model for human-scale agriculture in an increasingly urbanized landscape.
"This garden is more than just rows of vegetables; it is a physical manifestation of our commitment to our neighbors," the volunteer team shared in a joint statement. "Every seed planted is a step toward a more resilient and well-fed community fulfilling the Biblical mandate to feed the hungry."
In 2022, the garden ministry expanded its mission of service with the introduction of "Thirst Busters." Every Saturday morning from May to September, volunteers provide cold water and sports drinks to the dozens of cyclists, runners, and walkers who frequent the area.
"When we started the garden, we noticed the heavy foot and bike traffic passing by and saw an opportunity to engage with the public," said Marek. "People often think of giving the thirsty something to drink only in terms of the impoverished, but thirst is thirst. We are committed to meeting people exactly where they are—which, in many cases, is right in front of our garden."
As the 2026 season begins, New Beginnings Moravian Garden invites the community to witness the power of local agriculture in action, proving that even a small tract of land can make a massive impact on regional food stability.
About New Beginnings Moravian Church
Located in Huntersville, NC, New Beginnings Moravian Church is a community of faith dedicated to service and outreach. Through its garden, food pantry, and other ministries, the church seeks to provide tangible support and spiritual nourishment to the residents of North Mecklenburg County.