Chatham-Kent Housing Services is truly grateful to the local farmers who generously donated to the Chatham-Kent Public Health Community Garden Program that helped grow various Municipal public housing gardens.
10 public housing locations in Chatham-Kent recently received seeds, compost, tomato and cucumber plants donated by local farmers, Municipal officials say.
The public housing locations who received the donation were those where at least five tenants in the building were interested in volunteering their time to produce and maintain the gardens on a regular basis.
“The gardens provide so many benefits beyond just allowing public housing residents access to fresh produce,” stated Lyndsay Davidson, Registered Dietitian with Chatham-Kent Public Health, in a media release.
“They allow people of all ages to meet their neighbours by working together to provide something they can all be proud of and grow an even greater sense of community. We know that gardens are a source of physical activity and stress relief which right now is even more important for everyone to enjoy.”
Without the kindness and generosity of the local farmers, these gardens would not grow to fruition.
One local farmer Taera Van Roboys, from the Pickle Station stated, “We are happy to share our passion for cucumbers and garden growth within Chatham-Kent.”
Kerry Anne Davis, Case Manager, Housing Services witnessed the excitement and gratitude that the residents have towards the gardens during her routine rounds at local public housing units.
“Residents believe the gardens provide a purpose for many to enjoy the social interaction that they may not have before. They also enjoy consuming the fruits (and veggies) of their labour,” she said.
If you would like to donate to the public housing community gardens please contact Kristen Williams, Manager Tenant Relations, Housing Services at 519-351-1228 x 2140.
For additional information about Community Gardens throughout Chatham-Kent or to start a new community garden, please contact Lyndsay Davidson at lyndsayd@chatham-kent.ca or by phone at 519-352-7270 ext 2478.
Information on the gardens can be found on the CK Food Policy Council website at www.letstalkfood-ck.com/community-garden/
