The new “Harvest Community Gardens” being developed by Island Community Services at their Brinkworthy Road property got a boost this week with the receipt of a $75,000 grant from the Mid-Island Co-op Community Spaces program.
“This is a big win for food security on Salt Spring Island,” said Jamie Ferguson, the Food Programs Manager at Island Community Services. “This generous grant from Mid-Island Co-op is a real kick start for the development of an important community space on the island.”
The funds are for land preparation and construction of two new greenhouses that will serve to increase the volume of food distributed through the community, including through the Food Bank operated by Island Community Services.
Approximately 5 acres of land is being dedicated to Community Gardens and other food production. Community Gardens at the site will be available for members of the community at large to grow their own produce while other land will be producing food for distribution through the many food programs and services of Island Community Services.
Completion of the greenhouses and opening of the Community Gardens is expected by next summer.
