Steward Spotlight: Tom Simpson, St. Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church

Stewards are volunteers who take the lead on caring for their local orchards. They are the backbone of The Giving Grove program. Thanks to their dedication, Giving Grove little orchards continue to help feed the hungry, improve the environment, and foster friendship and community.  As a thank you, we like to spotlight stewards who are doing some extraordinary things in their communities. 

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Community Gardens

Tom and KCCG horiticulturalist tend to the orchard.

Today we would like to introduce you to Tom Simpson, a beloved orchard steward in Kansas City. 

Tom’s orchard is part of St. Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church.  This parish sits on an expansive piece of land that has allowed them to start numerous agricultural ministries, the orchard being their first, followed by several beehives, a labyrinth, and a vineyard. Tom has the pleasure of working with all three agricultural ministries.

Located in south Kansas City, St. Peter & All Saints believes that feeding those in need is the primary goal for their parish and they do that in partnership with Kansas City Community Garden’s Giving Grove program.  Together they planted their orchard in 2017, and have made additions to it the following three years.  Tom’s hard work and dedication to the Giving Grove orchard will ensure that it provides a bounty of fruit, nuts, and berries to their local food bank, The Red Bridge Food Pantry, over the lifetime of the orchard.   

But feeding the hungry isn’t the only good thing to come from the orchard. As Tom explains, “Working in the orchard affords opportunities to interact with neighbors who do not attend St. Peter & All Saints.  Previously unknown folks are becoming friends as conversations about apples, pears, and figs deepen our sense of community.” 

Peaches ripening on the tree at St. Peter & All Saints

The beauty of the orchard exemplifies Tom’s relationship with nature and faith: “[It’s] difficult not to have your breath taken when you see the blossoms of Spring.  And, few moments are as fulfilling as picking a ripe fruit from a healthy tree… Plants are remarkable creations of God.  They strive for life, despite our mistakes.  Whether one is watering the orchard, spreading mulch, pruning, or spraying, it is an honor to work the trees.”

We would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Tom.  His understanding of the Giving Grove mission gives us insight into how Giving Groves all over the nation are making a BIG IMPACT on both those in need and the communities that surround them. If you would like to get involved by starting an orchard or joining an active orchard team in your community, follow this link for more information!