by Dana Douglas, MScFN, RD, LG&L District Health Unit
A community garden is a shared space where people work together to grow food and build community. They can be a great option for people who may not have a plot of land, the ability to do all the work, or gardening experience. The community can be a geographic location like a city, town or village. It can be a neighbourhood or housing complex. It can be a workplace, school, health centre or communal residence like a retirement home. Gardens can be made up of plots, containers or planters. Some gardens exist on rooftops, while others are in raised beds.
The benefits of being part of a community garden are plentiful, and include the opportunity to:
- learn and share food growing skills
- know where your food comes from
- enjoy more vegetables, fruit and herbs
- get outdoors
- share and save seeds
- be a part of shared fun, work and planning practice and learn leadership and communication skills
- be an active member of your community.
For more information, visit the Choosing Healthy Food section of the Health Unit’s website at healthunit.org, or call 1-800-660-5853.
