ST. PAUL - Champions for Change will be moving forward with its annual edible barrels project, while also thanking businesses for past support of the program.
For about five season, barrels have been placed throughout St. Paul with edible plants growing in them. Typically, businesses must purchase the barrels that are placed outside their building.
"In order to recognize the challenging times we are in for the local businesses, the barrels will be provided free of charge to every business that rented one last year," said Champions for Change chair Penny Fox. "These will go all around town."
Then, extra barrels will be placed in equal distance along 50th Ave, "also at no charge to the businesses they will be in front of."
Fox says the group wants the town to look like a "bright, welcoming, and a relaxing place to explore."
Approaching the project in this way will allow Champions for Change to give back to the business community that has supported the society.
"It is something positive, something full of life, and shows us growing through the COVID situation."
The project is supported by a grant from Peavey Mart to purchase barrels, rocks, dirt, and other materials. The Town of St. Paul employees also "do an awesome job of watering and caring for (the barrels)," added Fox.
Barrels will be planted during the first week of June. Due to social distancing measures that are in place, 4-H clubs won't be able to participate this year to help put the barrels together, but there are a few "dedicated" volunteers with Champions for Change who have stepped forward to help.
