Community Gardens

Community gardens have been supported by the Trillium Foundation and the City of Windsor.  These gardens are more than growing food, they also regenerate neighbourhoods and provide them with fresh produce.

Residents that live near a Community garden are required to weed, prune and provide water for them in exchange for fresh produce.  They are expected to ensure that gardens do not become overgrown and that produce does not go to waste.  Any excess produce can be donated to local food banks.  It is with hope residents that tend to community gardens, will exchange seeds with neighbouring Community Gardens to provide each community with a variety of produce.

University of Windsor Community Garden for example, promotes positive interaction between them and the community.  They support garden-based education and community beautification to improve food security within Windsor.  While producing organic food, gardens increase biodiversity and sustainability.  The gardens provide habitat and food beneficial to species such as birds and butterflies.

It's with great hope that Community Gardens will expand to help those in need.  Those that don't have access to or, can't afford fresh produce.  Studies have shown that there is a need for these gardens throughout Windsor and Essex County.

Neighbouring Community Gardens will allow communities to get acquainted with each other and build a sense of belonging amongst each other.  Although, the concept is not new, popularity in these challenging times is rising.  Fresh, healthy and, nutritious food is one of the most essential, basic needs of everyone.

Community gardens are relatively cheap to start and the variety of produce is endless.  The exchange of seeds between the communities will make it even easier.  Partnerships with schools, food banks and community organizations will hopefully find a way to raise money for the start up and expansion of these gardens.

An individual, that plants a garden for their own personal use at home and, finds that a lot of what they produce is going to waste, are encouraged to donate any excess produce to local food banks. Those that are in need will appreciate the fact that valuable nutrition will be added to their diet.  It's difficult for them to maintain a healthy diet on a regular basis,

A little bit of fruits and vegetables goes a long way to provide needed nutrition.  If you are an individual that has the extra space, consider growing extra of what you can, to donate it to local organizations that help the less fortunate.

Written By:  Mike Crawford