Growing Communities
About Growing Communities
Food insecurity is at an all time high. Thousands of individuals and families in Niagara are struggling more than ever to afford healthy food – a basic necessity to live well. We know that eating healthy, culturally appropriate food, plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. That’s why we created the Growing Communities initiative, that works to increase access to healthy food for everyone.
Together, we are working to build stronger, healthier communities, promote food security and food literacy, reduce the effects of poverty, and expand our social and environmental impacts in Niagara.
How we’re doing it:
United Way Niagara is proud to fund and facilitate two bustling garden hubs in the Niagara region. These growing hubs produce a wide variety of fresh food that is distributed to programs and people in need across Niagara. The Garden Hubs are also a place where community members can come together to learn about food literacy including nutrition and cooking knowledge and making improved food decisions.
The first Garden Hub, in partnership with Niagara College Canada (NC), broke ground in June 2022 and is located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The garden currently boasts 37 raised garden beds, a greenhouse and a wash station. In its inaugural growing season, over 1,200 pounds of fresh produce was harvested and shared in community.
Get involved
You can get involved and support the Garden Hubs in a number of ways.
To make a gift: You can make a secure online donation now and receive an instant tax receipt, call in a credit card donation to 905-688-5050, or you can give by mail to United Way Niagara at 63 Church St. Suite LC1, St. Catharines ON, L2R 3C4. *Please include “Vineland Garden Hub” for both online or mail donations to ensure your gift is designated to this project.
Sponsorship or in-kind support: You can support the garden through a variety of levels of financial contribution or in-kind donations of supplies, tools, soil or seeds. A gift can be as little or as large as you wish, and always comes with the feeling of satisfaction of helping maintain a valuable community asset.
Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities: Whether you are an individual, family, workplace or group, we do occasionally need some help! Volunteers are needed to help maintain the garden on a regular basis. You can offer to volunteer one time or on a regular basis. There are opportunities for everyone. Monetary sponsorships are also available and greatly appreciated at any giving level. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 905.688.5050 ext. 2130
How it’s helping
All the produce grown at both Garden Hubs is used in a number of ways. Food is harvested as needed and donated to food programs in need. United Way works with many food partners across the region delivering programs such as drop-in meals, food at shelters and emergency food distribution. Harvested produce will also help supplement Community Pop-up Produce Markets. Growing Communities makes a direct impact on improving food access for thousands of individuals and families in Niagara.
