Believing that ending the cycle of poverty comes in part with empowerment and education, Middleton Outreach Ministry, which has one of the largest Food Pantries in Dane County, is for the second year, running an innovative program to teach and give the opportunity to people in need to grow their own food.

The MOM Food Pantry Garden, which itself is in its third year, is larger than ever.  The garden, which is located across the street from the pantry on donated land, grew over 6,500 pounds of food in 2012. 

"This year, the garden has so many client gardeners with their own plots, that we are using every inch of space on the land, and have even started a melon garden on a different plot of loaned land to increase the amount of produce available at the pantry," said Cheri Farha, manager of the MOM Distribution Center, in a news release.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for a bigger and better Attic Angel Place will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 10.

The groundbreaking will signify the start of a $7.5 million expansion at 8301 Old Sauk Road in Middleton. The plan will accommodate the changing needs of seniors seeking more independence.

A 3-story, 42,000 square foot addition at Attic Angel Place will include an easy-access rehabilitation center on the first level, with 10 assisted living units on both the second and third floors.

The current rehabilitation center will be moved and expanded to provide more convenient and assessable physical, occupational and speech therapy for people who have recuperated in the health center and can return home with outpatient therapy services.  It includes drive-up access and eliminates long walks to the rehabilitation facility.