The food bank plans to grow staples like carrots, onions and potatoes. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Room to grow

Food bank to run community garden

Feb 12, 2020 | 12:43 PM

Pending final approval from city council, the P.A. Food Bank will take over operation of the city-run community garden near Ecole Holy Cross School starting April 1.

Plots in the garden will still be available for public rental, but unused space will be cultivated to grow vegetables for the organization’s clients.

“The cost of fresh produce has gone up quite a lot over the past year and a half so this will give us our own supply,” P.A. Food Bank Executive Director Kim Scruby told paNOW.

“Food security is a huge issue with us. The more we can be involved in self sustaining households and gardens, the better.”

The land in the East End will be the food bank’s second cultivation area, Scruby explained they also operate an experimental garden in the West Flat.

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He said in the new space they’ll focus on growing regular cooking staples like carrots, potatoes and onions.

According to the five-year agreement, the food bank will be responsible for the day to day operations of the garden, including plot rentals and maintenance. The city will provide support, helping with spring and fall cultivation and cutting the grass.

“This is a great opportunity to form further partnerships with the P.A. Food Bank,” City Parks Manager Tim Yeaman told council on Monday night, outlining the terms of the agreement. “To help their organization provide access to fresh food, improve food security, provide nutritional education and support and help foster community and build networks.”

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom