Well into the summer season, the Federal Way Senior Center’s community garden is sprouting hundreds of pounds of food per week.

The garden is more successful than master gardener Mike Stanley ever imagined it would be. Stanley designed the garden and has led volunteers in planting and harvesting food, which goes to people in need. Though volunteers are plentiful, money and goods are needed to continue supporting the garden. A wine and cook-off fundraiser is planned for Aug. 29 to help sustain the plot.

The community garden is a 10,000-square-foot parcel rich with fruits and vegetables. It was introduced to the public in May and has grown steadily since. Just about every common vegetable, and some peculiar ones, can be found in the garden, Stanley said. Some crops have been planted and harvested twice already.

“We’re doing really very well,” Stanley said. “We’ve had great support for the garden.”

Since May, hundreds of pounds of food from the garden have been delivered to about 50 senior citizens and low-income residents each week. Some weeks, as much as 400 pounds is harvested, senior center activities director Rusty Ford said. Other weeks, about 100 pounds is ready for consumption, he said.

About half the produce goes to the needy residents. The other half is forwarded to the Meals on Wheels program, Ford said. A small amount is used in lunches provided to the senior center’s guests.

“They are all really appreciative, of course,” Stanley said. “It’s a blessing to feed them.”

The garden has been relatively easy to maintain, he said. Few weeds grow in the beds. Animals have mostly left the crops alone: Tomatoes, beans, corn, beets, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, onions, cucumber, parsley, broccoli and much more, he said.

Stanley and his crew have also managed to stay true to their promise of keeping the garden organic. No pesticides are used.

Providing fresh fruits and vegetables is not a cost-free endeavor. Seeds and soil, for instance, are bought consistently. A fence and toolshed are also needed, Stanley said. In order to maximize the garden’s use, several crops are planted in the same bed. Once one patch is grown and harvested, another is planted.

Check it out

• The Federal Way Senior Center will host a Harvest Celebration and cook-off from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 29 at the senior center, 4016 S. 352nd St., Auburn. Wine, or sparkling cider, and appetizers made from the garden’s produce, will be on the menu. Two teams will compete to make the tastiest treats, using the garden’s produce. Proceeds will go toward supporting the garden. Admission is $25 per person or $40 per couple or family. To reserve a spot, contact Carol Stanley at (253) 838-9235 or (253) 838-3511.

• Volunteers who wish to help in the garden can contact a volunteer and neighborhood program coordinator at (253) 835-2652 or vnp@cityoffederalway.com.