Every six months, the Sint Petrus Church in Leiden organizes a book market for charity. This was also the case during the weekend of May 24 and 25, 2025. Once again, the HH. Petrus and Paulus Parish Leiden and surroundings chose Stichting De Groentedeler as the beneficiary. For which we are, of course, incredibly grateful! Thanks to this book market, we have once again received a wonderful donation of €750.00. That’s enough to fund more than two annual subscriptions for clients of the Leiden Food Bank, which makes us extremely thankful.

 

Generous, despite the rain

Although the weeks leading up to the event had beautiful spring weather, the book market weekend was dominated by rain. A shame, as it affected the turnout compared to previous markets.

Still, on Saturday morning, the first visitors were already eagerly browsing through the books, selecting their favorite finds to take home. Several buyers generously added an extra donation on top of their purchase. This additional support benefits both clients of the Leiden Food Bank and minor maintenance in the church. In other words, a wonderful contribution this very weekend.

 

A rainy day with a silver lining

The rain did bring one benefit: it made this the perfect weekend to head home and dive right into the newly bought books. A cup of tea, a cozy spot, and hours of reading ahead. Hopefully, enough to last until the next book market.

 

Thank you to everyone who attended!

We thank all parishioners and visitors who came to the book market, supported us with their purchases, and of course the HH. Petrus and Paulus Parish for choosing Stichting De Groentedeler as their charity.

We will continue to harvest joyfully for the clients of the Food Bank, raise awareness around healthy food and strengthen the connection between city and countryside. Only together can we truly make a difference to make the world a bit more beautiful and ensure everyone has access to fresh and healthy food.

Would you like to make an additional (structural) donation? We’d gladly accept! Your help is much needed and appreciated.

 

On April 19, the gates of Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei will be festively opened! The garden team and volunteers from Stichting De Groentedeler are ready to welcome you for a cheerful gathering. So have you always wanted to visit this beautiful place? And are you curious to see what’s growing here? Come by and experience it for yourself!

 

Morning program

Fresh vegetables for everyone!

Starting at 11:00 AM, we’ll tell you more about the collaboration between Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei and Stichting De Groentedeler. How did this initiative come about? Why do we love harvesting in this special place? And what are your options if you want to get involved? Together with our board members and Mariska Verhulst, founder of the garden, you’ll learn all about it.

After the introduction, we’ll head into the garden where Mariska will show you how everything grows. She’ll explain her method of cultivating healthy, organic vegetables that are good for both people and the planet. You’ll quickly discover why the vegetables from this garden are so flavorful and why it’s such a gift that clients of Voedselbank Leiden get to enjoy them. There will be time to ask questions, connect with others, and enjoy good company. Because a place like this combined with likeminded people, a cup of coffe and the idea of fresh, healthy vegetables, naturally brings people together.

 

Afternoon program

Harvesting at Zelfoogsttuin Bij Mei

Are you more curious about how things actually work at the garden? Then come by in the afternoon! Starting at 2:00 PM, founder Mariska Verhulst will tell you all about the origins of the garden, the crops being harvested, and why this way of growing food is so meaningful. She’ll also explain why some veggies look different, but taste even better!

You’ll discover what it could mean for you to harvest your own vegetables here weekly and why the clients of Voedselbank Leiden are so thankful for the fresh produce donated by Stichting De Groentedeler. After the introduction, we’ll head into the garden, where seedlings are sprouting and the first harvest is expected in mid-May.
This paradise for people and nature offers healthy nutrients, peace and space in our busy lives. Here, people harvest with their own hands, meet each other in the soil, and experience the deeper value of organic farming. After the afternoon tour, you’re welcome to stay for a chat and connect with others.

 

Will you join us?

Participation is free. To get an idea of how many people to expect, we ask that you register yourself, your friends, and your family using the form below.
We can’t wait to welcome you!

 

Program overview

Morning program

10.30 am Welcome

11.00 am Presentation: Stichting De Groentedeler & Voedselbank Leiden

11.30 am Garden Tour

12.00 am Q&A and informal gathering

 

Middagprogramma

13.00 am Welcome

13.30 am Garden Tour with the ability to become a member

15.00 am End of the program

 

Location

Ommedijkseweg 10a

2382 BJ Zoeterwoude

 

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