The 100 mile diet and food security are frequently heard buzz phrases, but are we, as a society, ready to put our money where our mouth is?
Case in point is the Community Farm Action Team’s request to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee for $10,000 a year to hire a co-ordinator to oversee community gardens.
Given that many residents are going through financial challenges and there are significant pressures on government to provide services, such a request may seem frivolous. There will be those who say that taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize a few people who want to go dig around in the dirt.
But the concept of community gardens is increasingly popular and there are so many people interested in getting involved, that there are plans to expand far beyond the three sites that currently exist in Greater Vernon.
For apartment dwellers, the gardens offers a chance to cultivate healthy food while reducing their grocery bill.
Also on the horizon is the possibility of a farm operation at the college that would largely produce fruit and vegetables for agencies that help others, such as the food bank or the Upper Room Mission. There is also the prospect of agriculture and other related courses developing at the college.
But for this concept to flourish, there needs to be a dedicated person overseeing activities. Volunteers are great but burnout occurs and they aren’t always available.
If Greater Vernon is to become a sustainable community where healthy, affordable food is accessible to all, then we, as a society, must be willing to make an investment.
A $10,000 grant seems to be a small price to pay.
– Vernon Morning Star
