Grow Food, Grow Minds & Grow Community - Fredericton Community Garden

The Fredericton Community Gardens Initiative has just completed its visioning process. Here is what they came up with!

MISSION STATEMENT:

Fredericton Community Gardens Initiative will provide inclusive space for all citizens to garden together within the City of Fredericton. We will create a shared vision to work collaboratively and to cultivate a place for individuals, families and friends to learn about and to experience the rewards of gardening – “to grow food, grow minds and grow community”

GOALS/OBJECTIVES:

Grow Food

“To enrich the soil and preserve the land through hands-on responsible gardening practices.”

• Find free appropriate, easily accessible gardening plots for interested citizens and groups • Inclusive infrastructure – raised beds, wide walking paths, etc. • Provide tools and resources, fenced in areas, water access, sheds

Grow Minds

“To teach each other sustainable gardening techniques.”

• A garden space to share and learn new skills through informal interaction in the garden, formal workshops & training days and other teaching opportunities

• A safe space where participants can grow with their crops while developing a sense of identity, self-esteem and respect for self, others, and the land

• Encourage participation of our at-risk population to discover and blend our strengths, our differences and our diversities

Grow Community

“To encourage the building of cooperation and friendships”

• Bring people together through a common meeting area, social interaction & networking and planned community activities

• Partner with government, business, schools, non-profit groups and citizens to find sponsors & local donors

• Facilitate access to local food for all participating citizens and promote sharing of food with the food bank, soup kitchen, friends and neighbours

• Create a more resilient community by promoting health and wellness though fresh foods, exercise and a sense of belonging