The Clallam County WSU Master Gardeners donated more than 1,200 pounds of fruit and vegetables grown at its Robin Hill demonstration garden to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen in Port Angeles this season, said veteran Master Gardener Nancy Bryant.

Bryant said the garden's objective is to demonstrate research-based organic practices in the local growing environment. She explained that trends show an increase in home gardening as a hobby and for environmental or economic necessity. Robin Hill provides accessible education to support gardeners.

At the same time, it benefits the community by sharing its crops with an agency that is feeding the most vulnerable.

Sue Williams, soup kitchen coordinator, said the soup kitchen feeds 50-100 people five days a week. The fresh vegetables and fruit from the Master Gardener program are used in daily meal preparation and are distributed through the Salvation Army's food bank.

For information on the results of the volunteer-run garden's test of vegetable varieties and cultivation techniques, call the Washington State University Extension Office at 417-2279.