Inspiring Conversations with Catherine And Shawn Duffy of The Garden for All

Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine And Shawn Duffy.

Hi Catherine and Shawn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2020 we started The Garden for All with a small garden on the land of our church and donated 750 pounds of produce to the food pantry in response to high food insecurity during COVID. Each year since, we have expanded our impact. In 2021, we expanded the growing space to 9×50 and grew 2,650 pounds of food. In 2023, the growing space continued to expand significantly and with almost 230 unique volunteers, The Garden for All donated over 8,000 pounds of produce that year. In addition to growing produce and fresh flowers, we converted three sections of grass to pollinator meadow. Bees, butterflies and birds find their homes there, making The Garden for All a place that gives life to all creatures.

The need for fresh produce at food pantries and community organizations has continued to grow, and we have continued to expand and enhance growing operations to help meet this need. In 2024, we provided nearly 14,000 pounds (over 50,000 servings) of fresh produce to area food pantries and community organizations. We also installed a high tunnel in response to pantry requests for fresh produce during the winter months.

Our latest expansion in 2025 includes a new three-acre organic farm in Johnstown, Ohio. We anticipate growing at least 30,000 pounds of produce this year, with a goal to grow at least 100,000 pounds of produce/year by 2027.

With this expansion and 300+ volunteers, we remain focused on our mission of Fighting Hunger and Growing Community. We provide as much fresh, nutritious, and sustainably grown produce as possible to meet the increasing needs of our pantry partners, ensuring access to healthy produce for those facing food insecurity. Through volunteerism, we create opportunities for people to connect with the earth and with one another. We provide ways for individuals to invest in the well-being of their larger community, contributing to the health of others. We offer education on gardening and sustainability, empowering food pantry customers and community members with the knowledge to grow.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We are grateful that it has been a surprisingly smooth road. We have had to learn and grow along the way about specific things related to farming and also to running a nonprofit (like organic gardening practices, volunteer recruitment and management, fundraising best practices). What has made it feel smooth is the unwavering commitment by us, our staff and volunteers, and the wider community to the betterment of all through access to fresh produce and through investment in relationship.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Garden for All?
We are a non-profit organization committed to fighting hunger and growing community in Central Ohio. Our primary focus is cultivating high-quality, organic produce and distributing it to local food pantry partners. We specialize in providing fresh, nutritious, and sustainably grown food to those facing food insecurity. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to both food justice and community engagement—we believe that access to healthy food and meaningful connections are fundamental to building stronger, healthier neighborhoods.

Our organization takes great pride in delivering a substantial quantity of premium organic produce to food pantries across the region, helping to alleviate hunger and improve the health of those in need. At the same time, we are proud of cultivating a thriving community of individuals who serve and support The Garden. Through collaborative efforts, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities, we foster a sense of purpose and belonging among those dedicated to making a positive impact.

What we want our readers to know is that our brand embodies compassion, sustainability, and community resilience. We are passionate about nourishing both the body and soul through nutritious food and fostering relationships—between people and the earth. Our work addresses the rising demand for food assistance in Ohio, where 14% of the population, including many children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, are affected by food insecurity.

Ultimately, our mission extends beyond simply providing food—we aim to inspire hope and create lasting change. Through our diverse offerings, including access to high-quality organic produce, educational programs on gardening and sustainability, and community engagement opportunities, we empower individuals to take an active role in improving their health and their communities. By fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Central Ohio—where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a better future.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways to participate in our community efforts at The Garden for All, including:

Volunteer: https://thegardenforall.org/volunteer
Donate: https://donorbox.org/the-garden-for-all
Follow us on Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenforall/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardenforall
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegardenforall
Sign up for our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/64335efe29bc/garden-for-all-email-signup

Pricing:

• We provide our produce for free to local food pantry partners, as well as offer free community events and educational opportunities for our neighbors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thegardenforall.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenforall/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardenforall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegardenforall
• Other: garden@thegardenforall.org