A community - market garden provides fresh produce for local outreach programs while generating support through farmers market sales. Growing fresh food, hope, and community for families across the Highland Lakes.
Why a Community - Market Garden?
The Ark Garden is one more way Ark of Highland Lakes lives out our mission to unite hands, heal hearts, and transform communities.
Families recovering from crisis often face food insecurity and limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. By cultivating a shared garden, we can grow healthy food together, build friendships, and give neighbors a safe place to serve and be served.
The garden supports Ark programs like the Hunger Alliance, Transformational Living communities, and local partner churches, helping stretch every donated dollar while improving the health and dignity of the families we serve.
ARK Garden at a Glance
- Garden workdays for individuals, families, and groups
- Fresh produce shared through Ark programs and partner ministries
- Hands-on learning for children, students, and church groups
- Accessible projects for all ages and skill levels
How the Garden Works
The ARK Garden creates hands-on workforce development opportunities for underserved individuals. Whether you are a first-time gardener or a lifelong grower, there is a place for you.
Every seed planted in the ARK Garden helps meet real needs and reminds families that they are seen, known, and loved.
GROW
Volunteers help prepare beds (learning regenerative practices), plant seeds and seedlings, and tend the garden through each season. We provide guidance, training in specialty crop production and value added product creation, tools, and a relevant simple plan for each workday.
GATHER
As crops come in, teams harvest and sort produce. Fruits vegetables, herbs and foraged crops are washed, packed, and prepared for distribution through Ark programs and partners.
GIVE
Fresh produce is shared with families connected to Ark Transformational Living residents, and neighbors referred by local churches and agencies. Nothing is wasted. Some of the produce is sold at local farmers markets to benefit the Ark Community.
Who the Garden Serves
Who Benefits from the ARK Garden
The Garden exists for the good of the Highland Lakes Community.
Fresh produce from the garden helps support:
- Families served through Ark’s Hill Country Hunger Alliance and food distribution partners
- Residents in Transformational Living communities who are learning new rhythms of health and stability
- Local church partners who walk closely with families in need
- Neighbors referred by schools, agencies, and community organizations
By growing food together, we not only provide meals, we strengthen the food ecosystem and expand opportunity creating space for connection, learning, and healing.
Ways to Serve in the Garden
There is a place for you in the ARK Garden, whether you come by yourself, with your family, or with a group.
- Join a scheduled workday to help plant, weed, and harvest
- Coordinate a group project for your church, business, or community organization
- Lend your skills as a garden mentor, teacher, or organizer
- Donate garden supplies like soil, compost, tools, seeds, and irrigation materials or a monetary gift
If you would like to volunteer, fill out our Garden interest form and our team will follow up with upcoming workdays and opportunities.
Location and Schedule
The ARK Garden is located at the Ark Property, Valley View, convenient to families and volunteers across the Highland Lakes.
We host regular workdays throughout the year. growing seasons. Workdays are family-friendly, and training is provided on site.
Upcoming Workdays will begin scheduling in March 2026
Partners & Sponsors
The ARK Garden is a collaborative effort made possible by Ark Volunteers coordinating with churches, civic groups, schools, and local businesses that care about the health of our community.
Help Us Grow Hope in the Highland Lakes
The ARK Garden is a one acre small plot of land soil with a big purpose. Every hour volunteered, every bed planted, and every harvest shared helps a family take one more step toward stability and hope.
FAQs (Frequengly Asked Questions)
Do I need gardening experience to volunteer?
No. We will give simple instructions and provide guidance on each workday.
What should I bring to a workday?
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes that can get dirty. If you have work gloves, bring them. Sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle are recommended. We provide tools and basic supplies.
What should I bring to a workday?
Yes. Families, youth groups, and school groups are encouraged to serve together. We ask that minors be supervised by a parent, guardian, or group leader at all times.
How does the food get to families who need it?
Harvested produce is shared through Ark programs, Hunger Alliance partners, and local churches that walk alongside families in crisis. Our goal is to make sure every harvest is distributed and administered to families who need it.
Join Our Mission
Whether you need support or want to provide it, Transformational Living welcomes you. Through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, we believe every family can break generational cycles of poverty and build a future filled with hope, stability, and purpose.
Become a Volunteer
Be the help when help is needed most. Join our team of community volunteers. No experience required, just a willing heart.
Donate
Your gift powers our response. Every dollar provides supplies and support for families affected by crisis in Highland Lakes.
Join Our Network
Connect your church or organization to our coordinated community response system. Together, we maximize resources and reach everyone in need.
Attend Events
Learn, connect, and engage at our community gatherings. Building resilience happens one relationship at a time.
For Our Neighbors in Crisis, We Want to Walk With You
Call us at (325) 423-3662 or click the button to fill out our intake form and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.