Community Gardens will help ease food insecurity
Food security has become a huge issue in the ACT as the cost of living rises, says Amanda Tobler, CEO of Community Services #1 – but community gardens can help feed vulnerable Canberrans.
Community Services #1 received a grant from the ACT Government three years ago to set up their garden; now, they grow a wide range of produce from strawberries, celery, rhubarb, and beets to herbs like chives and rosemary. Vulnerable Canberrans learn how to tend the garden, harvest what they grow, and cook it for their families.
The 2022–23 round of the government’s Community Garden Grants, launched today, will set up more community gardens around the city.
“As our community moves towards higher density living with smaller blocks and backyards, it is becoming increasingly important to provide space where the community can grow fresh produce,” said Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for the Environment.
Totalling $40,000, grants of up to $10,000 are available per project for not-for-profit organisations, groups, owners’ corporations, and individuals to create gardens, enhance existing ones, buy or hire equipment or tools, or contract specialists to care for gardens.
The grants have also supported church groups to provide additional food for vulnerable people.