Due to funding challenges, Start Me Up Niagara launched a sponsorship campaign to help cover costs of expanding its community garden program in Vineland. The campaign, launched Tuesday, is named Adopt a Row and is turning to community and corporate sponsors to help fund the From Our Garden program. Each year since 2010, Start Me Up has provided low-cost fresh produce grown at its community garden on a two-acre parcel of land donated by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.
In a press release, Start Me Up Niagara executive director Laura Dumas said food grown at the garden is distributed throughout the community by way of different programs focusing on vulnerable populations. “Our Food and Resource program prepares wholesome, nutritious snacks and meals using fresh ingredients from the From Our Garden produce,” she said. “These meals are shared with local schools, seniors buildings and for the weekend lunch program.
” Dumas said due to increased demand, there are “plans to increase production and expand distribution” of the garden’s products. “To achieve these goals, we need help from the Niagara community,” she said. Dumas said as fresh produce prices continue to rise, people on fixed incomes are less likely to have access to it, which has negative health outcomes.
“From Our Garden alleviates this burden for many individuals and families in our community,” she said. “(It) not only provides access to affordable, healthy food options, but is an opportu.