We are building a Brockville “eaters club”, not only putting the healthiest food on our tables, but also promoting security of our food supplies through the support of local producers and processors.
In its pursuit of healthy food, this group can establish a range of urban gardens and run classes and community work-bees around meal preparation and storage. It can develop a database linking the home gardening space and skills of seniors with the needs and abilities of young families.
But to get established on a firm footing, we are starting with regular group food purchasing.
And we are using this website to collect inspirational stories on food initiatives in other communities.
I am a retired Brockville resident and enjoy the challenge that Mr. Campbell has placed before us here. I cannot think of a more important project to have at this time in our economic situation, nor a more worthy goal to seek for the future of our food needs and the health of our neighbours.
In Ottawa, where I was born, the same needs of the lower income folk had myself and a Jim MacCaffrey in 1982, support the Ottawa Food Bank in the old City Maintenance Buildings. I created a very large Emergency Garden at the Kilborn Avenue Community Gardens, with a very large free area from the City, and with donations of potted plants and seeds from Loblaws and Canadian Tire.
In 1998 another Community Garden was created in Kemptville, with the Family Focus Group and the former Mayor, Ralph Raina.
These Gardens offered organic produce for those who did not have the land nor the funds to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Seniors and low income families cherished the plots they nurtured and learned of the wonderful world of growing!
I cannot underline the importance of such a new venture here in Brockville, where day by day we see the need for quality food. Not having lived here for more than 9 years, I am not that familiar with what would be available for land, but I see so many ideal areas that I am confident that the creation of a meaningful Community Garden and/or Green House is very possible.
I applaud Mr. Campbell’s vision and his efforts in this challenge and will assist him in any way that I can.
~~~~~~~~~~John Cullen
We would love to do something in the Brockville Voice. Please call me or email as above. Thanks
Jacqui
What about the hospital property on Victoria Avenue? Several houses were demolished, replaced by an expanse of grass. Several churches in the neighborhood might support establishing a community garden there.