Community Garden Meets Need
CTV News Atlantic
_By: Sarah Ritchie_
Halifax, Nova Scotia_
– In the heart of Halifax’s North End, a community garden is providing a much-needed resource for low-income and vulnerable residents. The garden, located at the corner of Gottingen and North Streets, is a joint project between the North End Community Health Centre (NECHC) and the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). It features over 40 raised beds, donated by local businesses, where community members can grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. “We wanted to create a space where people can access fresh, healthy food,” said Rodney Small, a community organizer with NECHC. “The North End has a lot of low-income households, and access to healthy food can be a challenge.” The garden has been a huge success since it opened in 2015. Over 100 families now participate in the program, growing everything from tomatoes and peppers to kale and zucchini. “It’s amazing to see how much food people are growing here,” said Small. “It’s really making a difference in their lives.” One of the participants in the program is Monica MacNeil. She has been gardening in the community garden for three years and says it has helped her to feed her family healthier meals. “I’m on a fixed income, so it’s really hard to buy fresh produce,” said MacNeil. “This garden has been a lifesaver for me. I can grow my own food, and I know it’s healthy and fresh.” The community garden also provides a valuable social space for residents. Gardeners often gather to share tips, trade seeds, and just socialize. “It’s a really welcoming and supportive community,” said MacNeil. “I’ve made so many new friends here.” The community garden is just one example of how community-based initiatives can help to address food insecurity and promote healthy eating. By providing access to fresh, affordable food, community gardens can help to improve the overall health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
Community Garden Meets Need – CTV News Atlantic
Halifax, NS
– A community garden in Halifax is providing fresh produce to those in need. The garden, located at the Waegwoltic First Nation, is being used to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are then donated to local food banks and shelters. The garden was started in 2018 by a group of volunteers who wanted to address the issue of food insecurity in the community. According to the volunteers, one in four people in Halifax do not have access to enough healthy food. The garden has been a success, and has already donated over 1,000 pounds of produce to local organizations. The volunteers hope to continue to expand the garden and reach more people in need. To learn more about the community garden, or to make a donation, please visit their website at www.waegwolticcommunitygarden.com.