A community garden tucked behind the Fernandina Beach airport has donated more than 1,500 pounds of fresh organic produce to Nassau County charities in the first half of 2026.

Garden's charity donations keep climbing

The Airport Community Gardens' haul marks a 37% jump over the same period in 2025, when members donated 1,100 pounds, according to the Fernandina Observer. Compared to the first half of 2024, the garden's donations have grown 300%.

Produce reaches food pantries, shelters across county

Recipients include Barnabas Center, a Fernandina Beach food pantry on Jasmine Street; Micah's Place, Nassau County's only certified domestic violence center; Gracie's Kitchen, a volunteer-run meal service in Yulee; Salvation Army Hope House; Authentic Impact; and several others.

Gardener says abundance is the whole point

The output is no accident.

"We don't give it away because we grow too much … We grow too much just so we can give it away," head gardener Dan Groth told the Observer.

Groth described members as outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy growing, eating and donating organic vegetables on a budget while constantly learning new techniques. The garden sits on airport property across from the Humane Society and partners with Keep Nassau Beautiful.

Members support each other beyond the harvest

Beyond the charity donations, members look out for one another. They water each other's plots when a gardener is away and share tips on controlling pests and diseases. Groth sends weekly emails alerting gardeners to cold fronts or extreme heat.

Some members have also volunteered to teach and work with Fernandina Beach students, according to the Observer.

How to join the community garden

The garden is open to all full-time Nassau County residents. There is a waiting list, and each lot can accommodate up to four gardeners, as lot sizes vary.

Residents interested in joining or learning more can call 440-759-6097 or email [email protected].

Annual open house planned for November

The garden plans to host its annual open house on Nov. 15, though organizers say the date and time are tentative. The Observer lists the time as 2 to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can tour the plots, talk with gardeners and take home fresh vegetables.

Upcoming community dates

• Airport Community Gardens open house: Nov. 15 (tentative), on airport property across from the Humane Society
• Barnabas Center 13th Annual Empty Bowls luncheon: Nov. 24, Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island