Community gardens play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community, promoting sustainability, and providing fresh, healthy food for those in need. But one often overlooked aspect of community gardens is their potential to help the unhoused and low-income population. This is where Growing Together Community Garden Inc. fills in the gap.
Founded by Shannon Bernard and Denise McRea, this new non-profit organization is starting to see the fruits of its labour. These Elliot Lake residents are making an impact on food insecurity.
“The unhoused and low-income face numerous challenges when it comes to accessing nutritious food,” explains Bernard, adding, “Many rely on food banks, soup kitchens, or fast food establishments for their meals, which are often lacking in essential nutrients.” Community gardens are a fast-growing trend since the pandemic.
The organization recently received their non-profit status and is thrilled at the prospect of expanding.
“Our non-profit status is very important as there are many grants and other funding that we are unable to apply for without it,” says McRae.
“We have been gifted three plots of land for this year’s pilot project, which are located on Washington Crescent in Elliot Lake. We also are using gardens on private land,” told Bernard. These spaces are temporary.
“Currently our harvest will be going to the Food Bank as well as the Beehive, which feeds more than 40 individuals per meal day,” says Bernard.
Their plans for the future of Growing Together are to secure more land.
“Our intentions are to buy land and build a kitchen and have other spaces to educate those in need,” sayss Bernard.
Not only do community gardens provide access to fresh, healthy food, but they also foster a sense of purpose and belonging to those who participate in them. For those less fortunate individuals who may feel marginalized and isolated from society, a community garden can serve as a valuable source of social connection and support. Working alongside other community members in a shared garden space can help break down barriers and provide a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Community gardens can also offer valuable skills training and employment opportunities. By learning how to grow and maintain a garden, individuals can develop valuable skills that can be transferred to other areas of their lives, such as finding employment or starting their own small business. These gardens also provide a source of income through the sale of excess produce.
Growing Together will not be just a garden. It will be a place where individuals and groups grow together in all aspects of life.
“A peer-to-peer program will help tend the gardens, and prepare food to feed under-serviced and under-represented individuals and groups,” said Bernard.
The community gardens will have a clubhouse with a fully certified kitchen. The clubhouse will be used for nutrition, cooking, and canning programs and along with various classes that promote wellness and sustainability.
It can also be rented out on weekends for events and private functions. One goal is to couple with local Indigenous educators of medicinal plants and herbs, to teach classes on how to identify and forage for the specific foliage.
By growing their own fruits and vegetables, individuals can reduce their reliance on food banks and other charitable organizations, empowering them to take control of their own food supply.
“This can have a positive impact on their overall health and well-being, as well as reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases related to poor nutrition,” said McRae.
Community gardens can also help address the issue of food deserts in urban areas, where access to fresh, healthy food is limited.