Staff at the Nelson Community Food Centre (NCFC) are happy to be collaborating with the Nelson and District Women’s Centre on their garden again this year.
In spring and summer of 2021, volunteers and Emil Fischer, NCFC garden co-ordinator, collaborated with the women’s centre staff in an effort to bring back their bountiful garden, which had been dormant for a couple years. The first season saw a modest harvest for use in the centre’s food-based programs, like meals for program participants.
“We’re excited to continue supporting the women’s centre and food access for those facing adversity in our community. Growing and sharing food is a great way to build relationships between participants and our two organizations, and is one of the main goals of our new strategic plan,” said NCFC executive director Jess Chant.
Beginning in spring of this year, Fischer has been working with Michelle Oakley, the women’s centre’s environmental program co-ordinator, on mapping out a garden plan and preparing beds for the growing season. NCFC has also provided starters, and will help with the end of season harvest and prepare the garden for overwintering. Though the season is still early, the women’s centre garden is already off to a great start with harvests predicted to be twice as big as last year. Program participants will soon be enjoying things like cauliflower, tomatoes, beans, leafy greens and more.
“We’re extremely thankful for the collaborative partnership we have established with the NCFC,” said women’s centre executive director Terri-Lynn Wilkenson. “Working in a garden and eating healthy vegetables contributes to the mental and physical health of program participants and everyone involved. This understanding and appreciation is shared by both of our organizations.”
NCFC is planning on sharing starters for the 2023 season as well. There’s plenty of opportunity for this collaboration to grow and flourish over the coming seasons.