Citizens across Canada are feeling the pinch when it comes to putting food on their kitchen tables. With the prime lending rate stagnating and grocery costs continually rising, how do you plan to feed your family over the coming year?
Food bank usage in Alberta has surged by 94% from 2019 to 2023 (Food Banks Canada, 2024), and our food insecurity rate is the highest in the country at 20.3% (PROOF, 2021). The month of May typically reminds us of outdoor activities—patio season, hiking, camping, and our beautifully landscaped gardens. With food costs on the rise, it’s the perfect time to make the shift toward edible and community gardens, as resources and expertise are readily available.
Looking for a first step? Join your local community garden. I organize and run the community garden in my neighborhood, where we have over 50 plots adjacent to our park plaza that yield beautiful produce each year. From 8-foot-tall sunflowers and overflowing tomato plants to the largest Swiss chard I’ve ever seen, our community consistently produces a bountiful harvest in a 30-foot by 30-foot area.
No garden in your Edmonton or Calgary community? Consider converting your front or back yard into a garden scape. You can even win awards for it! Edmonton has been running the “Front Yards in Bloom” program for 25 years and includes an “Edible Yard” category. This isn’t exclusive to those with yards; apartment dwellers can participate too. If you haven’t joined before, get inspired this year by visiting the nominees and casting your votes in mid-August.
Already a seasoned gardener? There are accessible ways to deepen your practice to create more benefits for the environment. Consider integrating principles of permaculture or regenerative agriculture which conserve water, increase efficiency, and build soil. A key component is composting. If you’re in Edmonton, take advantage of the city’s composting program available to citizens, perfect for enhancing your skills and enriching your garden naturally.
More into proteins than vegetables? You can raise your own hens! Both Edmonton and Calgary offer dedicated urban hen (and bee) programs within city limits. If you meet the eligibility requirements, applications are already open.
Lastly, if you’re still working on your green thumb, there are other ways to support food security and sustainability initiatives. Consider joining a council or board, such as Alberta Food Matters, the Edmonton Food Council, Sustainable Food Edmonton (I’m a board alumnus), CalgaryEATS! Food Action Plan, or the Toronto Youth Food Council.
There are plenty of resources available to help you combat rising food prices while also providing you access to healthy, organic produce.
Happy gardening!
