A better connection and understanding behind growing food locally is behind a new event on Saturday, April 20. (Nanaimo Foodshare)

By Alex Rawnsley

grow local

‘People can literally get their hands dirty:’ Earth Day event to highlight Nanaimo food security

Apr 18, 2024 | 6:26 AM

NANAIMO — Local growing and improved food security are key messages behind a new event.

Coinciding with Earth Day on Saturday, April 20, a trio of local organizations are combining to create an exhibition of local food production and food security at the Park Avenue Farm.

Co-organizer Jennifer Kemp told NanaimoNewsNOW the farm, located at 945 Park Ave. and just south of Eighth St., is somewhat of a hidden gem in the Nanaimo region.

“The initial focus [of the event] is to really just to expose and share what our community is doing around food security and local food resources. The farm at Park Ave. is a great example of a resource in our community that I don’t think a lot of people know about.”

Doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the event a partnership between Leadership VI, Nanaimo Foodshare and the City of Nanaimo.

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Events will include a showcase of all Nanaimo Foodshare’s programming, as well as various booths and gardening stations to demonstrate techniques for growing food locally.

“People can literally get their hands dirty,” Kemp said. “There will be tours of the farm, there’ll be opportunities to do some planting, dig into the soil and look at what goes into the soil, what makes successful growing soil in our local environment.”

She added public education is a huge pillar of the event with a goal of getting people more comfortable growing their own food, whether or not they have a small patio garden or a large outdoor space.

“Foodshare will be exploring and sharing what is good to grow local, we know we’re not in the most optimal environment to grow every type of fruit and vegetable…but what are the things that do thrive in our environment and what can grow.”

It’s the first time the event has been organized, and those attending can also enter to win a host of prizes including seed packages and Douglas fir seedlings.

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