Growing Food, Growing Community
A new project is putting down roots at CDC South — and it is about much more than vegetables.
The Brooks Food Bank’s new Hands & Harvest Community Garden is bringing people together to help grow fresh food for individuals and families in Brooks and the County of Newell facing food insecurity.
Inspired by the success of the Taber Food Bank’s long-running garden program, the initiative is taking shape on land at the Crop Diversification Centre South, with support from the County of Newell. The idea is simple: grow fresh produce locally, share it with those who need it most, and invite the community to be part of the process.
But this project is about more than what ends up on someone’s plate.
The Brooks Food Bank hopes to create a volunteer-powered garden where community groups, churches, service clubs, sports teams, families, and neighbours each take a turn helping throughout the growing season. From planting and weeding to watering and harvest, the work will be shared — making it easier for people to participate and creating opportunities to connect along the way.
Fresh produce can be difficult to access for many food bank clients, and projects like this help fill an important gap. At the same time, Hands & Harvest highlights something our region already knows well! When agriculture, volunteerism, and community spirit come together, good things grow.
The first crop of tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, lettuce, onions, and spinach has already been planted, kicking off the garden’s inaugural season. The official launch of this project happened May 30 with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Organizers hope the project will continue to grow in the years ahead, strengthening partnerships, supporting healthy food access, and creating meaningful ways for people to get involved.
Want to lend a hand? The Brooks Food Bank is looking for volunteers, organizations, and community groups interested in getting involved. Whether you know your way around a garden or just want to help out for an evening, there is room for you in Hands & Harvest.
Contact Duane at 403-363-8291 or email handsandharvestgarden@gmail.comfor more information on how you can get involved.