Food Action Society community gardens prove popular in Vernon

It's an activity that's growing on residents of Vernon.

The Food Action Society operates three community gardens in town, all of which are full of people getting back to the earth and growing their own food.

Anita Kuipers, with the Food Action Society, says the plots are busier than ever.

“People have really gotten into gardening and they are really enjoying it this season,” said Kuipers, adding new beds were added for 2021 and were all rented out within two weeks.

In a community garden, people rent a small plot of land – where they can grow veggies, flowers and pretty much whatever they want.

Kuipers says for people living in apartments, townhomes or a house with a small yard, the community garden is an ideal way to grow your own food.

“It's a really enjoyable experience for a lot of people,” said Kuipers. “There's also a community of people. Lots of people have made friends over the years.”

For Linny Jenkins, tending to her plot at the East Hill garden is her peaceful realm.

“This is my happy place,” Jenkins said. “I just come out and watch them grow. It's tremendously relaxing. I really believe in growing things and letting people have a chance to grow their own food, especially right now when there is a lot of food insecurity.”

What people do with the food they have grown is up to them, but there are opportunities to donate a portion of the bounty to the local food bank.

While all the plots are spoken for this year, Kuipers says people can email [email protected] to have their name added to the waiting list for next year.