By Adam Frisk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In an effort to combat rising food costs, one organization is asking residents to add an extra row to their vegetable gardens this spring.
SIRCH, a local non-profit dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations, launched its Grow-A-Row initiative, asking those with a green thumb to plant a few extra seeds for the organization. While executive director, Gena Robertson, sees the program as a way to combat rising costs, food security coordinator, Joanne Paquin, views it as a bridge for the organization to continue supporting the community.
“We’re donation-based, so if we don’t get the money to purchase [food], then we can’t produce as many meals,” Paquin explained. “Supplementing with gardening is a great way to fill that gap.”
Since SIRCH already uses indoor grow towers for their leafy greens, the grow-a-row initiative will focus on the hardier root vegetables to help stock the winter pantry.
“There are many reasons for the specific vegetables,” Paquin said. “First off, they’re root vegetables that are easy to process and preserve throughout the winter. If they’re held in cold storage, like potatoes, onions, squash, and beets, they don’t need to be refrigerated, and we can keep them for months.”
Robertson explained that SIRCH prepares and distributes more than 1,700 meals every month to those in need at no charge.
“Prices are rising, and we get no base funding for this project,” she said. “So, we have to raise the money for that, and anything that will keep the cost down a little bit will help.”
And you don’t need to be a gardening expert to help with this initiative. SIRCH enlisted two local master gardeners to provide their knowledge and expertise.
“They’re really there as a support system, no matter if you’ve never gardened before or you’re a seasoned gardener,” Paquin said.
The experts provided some tips to the growers on everything from soil preparation and indoor seed-starting to organic pest control using household items such as eggshells, baking soda, and coffee grounds. Country Rose Flowers & Garden donated a supply of GMO-free seeds, which are still available for those who sign up.
The grow-a-row initiative is open to seasonal residents as well. While many cottagers don’t normally arrive until the May long weekend, Paquin said there is still plenty of time to contribute.
“Cottagers can still participate because they’ll still have enough time for things you sow directly into the ground, like potatoes, carrots, and beans,” she said, adding that radishes are a “satisfying” quick crop that can be harvested in just 30 days.
While the organization will accept “unregistered” donations, Paquin encourages people to officially sign up so the kitchen can estimate the volume of food arriving this fall.
“It helps us anticipate what’s coming come harvest season,” she said.
Email: growarow@sirch.on.ca
