the gathering place is a soup kitchen with a difference. We strive every day to ensure that our meals contain a minimum of 5 servings of vegetables or fruit, half of the daily recommended allowance.
The primary focus of the the gathering place garden is to have a secure supply of fresh produce for our kitchen. We also hope to provide regular access to healthy food to our neighbours in need, and to help them see how satisfying growing and harvesting their own food can be.
The majority of food provided by local food banks is processed packaged products, high in sodium and refined carbohydrates. Fresh vegetables and fruits rarely make it to food bank shelves, and they are more expensive in Northern Ontario than in the South. Those living in poverty have diets that do not meet the minimum daily requirements of vitamins, minerals and fibre, often resulting in obesity, diabetes, and overall poor health.
By providing a venue for those in need to physically participate in growing healthy food, and learning how to incorporate these foods into their daily lives, it is hoped that we can move toward breaking the dependence on emergency food programs, and provide healthier diets for all our neighbours.
Plan of garden
(larger image).
Drawing courtesy of
mitchellarchitects
Having secured land, we are in the process of applying for grants to fund the project (June, 2011)
In the fall of 2011, we will be calling interested parties together to determine the operational model for the garden, and to recruit volunteers who wish to assist with this project.
Spring 2012 is the goal to have the infrastructure of the garden ready to go into operation. While the entire garden may not be planted in the first season, it is hoped that at least a partial harvest will be possible, with the entire half acre site ready to go in the spring of 2013.
Jim Klein, Chair, and Lee, Volunteer
(L to R) Councillor Sean Lawlor, Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health, Daniel Villeneuve, Principal of Ecole Secondaire Algonquin, Estelle Guilemette, Teacher, and André Corbeil, Gathering Place Board Member
Mayor Al McDonald and Erin Reyce, Public Health Dietician