The church’s Parish Pantry helps feed families in need every week and people will be able to take produce from the ­garden as they wish.

The money will help provide eight garden beds and upgrade the church kitchen so people can make preserves from the produce.

“It’s not just about feeding people, it’s about what community gardens represent, which is collegiality between people,” Ms Parker said.

Rutherford Telarah Rotary helped cut down some palm trees to make way for the gardens and has provided $800 to buy two garden beds.

“We support a lot of people in the community and people have said to me they can’t wait to see the garden,” parish priest Mother Moira Evers said.

“The money will enable us to start right away and feed the hungry in more ways than one.”

Ms Parker announced the funds from the Community Building Partnership program. The program will provide grants to 12 community organisations across Maitland.

The grants range from $1442 to improve the water supply at Earthcare Park, Tenambit, up to $75,000 toward a new workshop at the  Morpeth Men’s Shed.

“I have an interest in a lot of these ­projects and some of them are very close to my heart,” Ms Parker said.

“I’m always stunned by the number of applications we get.”

Maitland Repertory Theatre received $48,000 for stage two on new rehearsal facilities.

Aspect Hunter School was granted $5571 for footpaths and outdoor learning.

Ozzie Care won $43,285 for solar ­panels to cut refrigeration costs on the perishable foods it provides needy families.

Morpeth Men’s Shed received a $75,000 windfall for the new workshop foundations. 

The Lochinvar School of Arts Hall was extended $33,070 to complete ­renovations.

East Maitland War & Rest Park Trust was boosted with $4166 to aircondition its hall.

Tocal will build a new road using a $29,020 grant to help with college operations and to facilitate young driver education through Rutherford Telarah Rotary. 

Metford Public School P&C will use its $15,000 grant to establish a school arts project.