LEXINGTON — Lutheran Family Services expanded its Global Roots Community Garden to Lexington, a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday, May 8.
“Global Roots is a farming initiative that was launched by Lutheran Family Services (LFS) in 2020 to support refugees and new populations by helping them grow culturally relevant foods and improve food access to fresh produce. Each farmer gets a food plot, in-the-field assistance, access to tools and equipment and educational workshops on horticultural themes,” LFS stated in a press release.
With the recent closure of the Tyson Foods plant in Lexington, LFS was looking for ways to help the people who were affected by the closure.
“We are committed to working alongside those impacted by the Tyson Foods plant closure,” said Chris Tonniges, President and CEO of LFS, “Bringing Global Roots to Lexington gives people access to nutritious food while helping build stronger connection and new pathways forward for local families.”
Tonniges spoke following the ribbon cutting and said the Lexington community really needs something like the community garden right now.
The Global Roots concept can be adapted to what the residents of Lexington need, Tonniges said. He said this provides a space for people to build community as they work to grow their own food.
He said LFS is excited to bring this concept to Lexington and there are plenty of plots and room for expansion. “These plots are ready to grow,” Tonniges said.
Handy Marin Diaz, Program Manager, Refugee and Immigrant Programming with LFS, thanked her Lexington team for working to prepare the garden over the previous four days.
Diaz said the LFS programs in Lexington are aimed at the people. She said food security is needed more than ever in the wake of the Tyson closure. “This will bring everyone in the community closer together – this land is open for the community.”
“Its your garden, its your plot…this project is about the people and for the people,” Diaz said.
Nizar Rasho, Vice President, Community Based Services with LFS, said he started visiting the Lexington community in 2019 and said he loved his time here.
Rasho said he grew up in norther Iraq in a small village and a vital part of the community was growing their own food or animal husbandry. He reflected on how the Global Roots garden mirrors that upbringing and how important it was to his community.
Rasho said in fall of 2025, LFS learned there was a space open that used to be a community garden that could be taken over by LFS. The plots will support around 25 families.
What is needed are volunteers who can help operate the garden, Rasho said, also donation of garden supplies, plants, seeds, etc.
It was noted it is up to the gardeners who sign up for a plot on what they want to grow. LFS will help to purchase necessary supplies to help them get started, Rasho said.
Individuals interested in getting involved or learning more about the Global Roots program in Lexington can contact Diaz at [email protected].
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