Earlier this year, Jarod Stine planted a community garden at Florin Church of the Brethren, 815 Bruce Ave., Mount Joy. Now you can sample the fruits of his labor during a Breakfast Bowl at the church. It will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19, beginning at 9 a.m.

Stine, a graduate of the Getting Ahead and Staying Ahead classes through Friends of Donegal, reached out to the church and asked for permission to start the garden on the property last year. The church sponsors the Friends of Donegal's Bridges Out of Poverty initiative, and the garden was a natural fit, said Nancy Shonk, Breakfast Bowl publicity chair. Friends of Donegal is an organization focused on harnessing the collective power and influence of the community to improve the lives of everyone through programs, classes and access to resources.

At the breakfast, attendees will enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns and sausage, along with tastings from the garden. There will also be an opportunity to win a fresh produce basket.

At 10 a.m., tours of the garden will be offered, and fresh produce will be for sale. Additional surprises and treats will be featured during the event as well.

Florin Church of the Brethren has been hosting monthly Breakfast Bowls for several years. The church members paused the program during the pandemic, but it resumed in August of 2022. "Our Breakfast Bowl has developed as a grouping of friends who come together for a warm breakfast and inspirational message," said Bob Price, Breakfast Bowl coordinator.

Florin is known for its food ministry, including serving homemade whoopie pies and hosting regular luncheons throughout the year, and the Breakfast Bowl complements the program while helping the church fulfill its mission of reaching out to the community.

"We understand that people are looking for various things in life, and they might be intimidated by the traditional church service," explained Yvonne Geib, food chair. "This is a way for us to reach out and welcome people over a meal."

Breakfast Bowls are held on the third Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. No reservations are needed.