Our Farm is named in memory of our dear friend Jilla. Jilla's Garden was established in 2012 for the sole purpose of providing exceptional food to The Summer Truck. 

 “Jilla” (Dieula) was a little girl with a significant congenital heart defect, who we met in Haiti in 2006.  She came from an extremely poor family, and because of her heart defect, her chances for survival were slim to none.  Through the generosity of so many people, “Jilla” was able to have life saving surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.  She sailed through the recovery and was living a relatively healthy life back in her home country. Unfortunately, she was lost in the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, when her small cement block home collapsed on her.  She was the only one in her family of seven who perished. 

In her short life, Jilla deeply touched the lives of so many with her infectious laugh and contagious smile.  Jilla is actually spelled “Dieula”, which in her language means “God is here”.   We decided to name our farm, “Jilla’s Garden” to honor her life and celebrate the presence of God in ours.

The ground we use to farm is owned by our farmer Marie Freise's parents, Ed and Mary Ann. Because of their generosity, Jilla's Garden exists. They instilled the passion of gardening and farming in Marie. 

Thanks to our farmers Kim Micke, Marie Freise, Ed and Mary Ann, Ellen Pendergast, nieces, nephews, and friends. Here's to Jilla's Garden, and to bringing food and shelter to the children of Haiti.