The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources:

Mr. Speaker, community gardens are a wonderful source of fresh, local food – they are also peaceful, shared spaces where residents can relax, make new acquaintances, get their hands dirty, and enjoy time outdoors.

Our Community Garden Support Program is increasing food self-sufficiency, improving access to fresh foods, and proving how rewarding it is to produce healthy food in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, more than 3,500 people of all ages worked together in 101 community gardens last season thanks to funding from the Community Garden Support Program. So far this year, we have approved almost 50 applications from municipalities and community groups, and are welcoming more every day.

As we deal with COVID-19, community gardening will look a little different, but we’re finding innovative ways to work together safely – like limiting the number of people working in the garden at one time, and not sharing tools or gloves.

Mr. Speaker, as we safely keep our distance, now more than ever, community gardens offer that sense of togetherness we’ve all been missing. I encourage more groups to avail of this program and get growing this summer.

Thank you.