Growing Locally: Nurturing Our Gardens, Our Community, and Ourselves
Written by: Kirsten Reddaway, GROW Manager
At AWARE, we believe in the power of local. Whether it’s growing food in our community gardens or fostering stronger connections among neighbors, growing locally transforms both our environment and our lives. Our goals with our GROW Community Garden and Greenhouse program include promoting sustainability, enabling local food security, increasing social inclusion and community engagement, and providing educational opportunities. With support from the Community Prosperity Fund, administered by the Whistler Community Foundation, AWARE has received $50,000 across three years to address poverty reduction and social inclusion within our community.
Growing Food Locally: A Seed for Sustainability
One of the most effective ways to build a healthier community is through local food production. Our community gardens program brings neighbors together to grow fresh, nutritious food. This not only reduces our reliance on industrial agriculture but also lowers our carbon footprint. Based on the 2023 impact report from Whistler Community Services Society, there was a 37% increase in food bank usage reported, highlighting the critical need for sustainable food sources.
Local gardening contributes to AWARE’s goal of enabling local food security and fosters a deeper appreciation for the effort behind our food. It’s more than just about the harvest—it’s about creating opportunities for collaboration and learning, while promoting sustainability.
As we expand the GROW program, we aim to increase the number of garden plots available to communities in areas of high need, specifically targeting neighborhoods facing higher rates of food insecurity. Over the course of the next three years, the funding from the Community Prosperity Fund will be used to grow our locations (pardon the pun), aiming to increase the number of garden spaces to meet rising demand and support more families in gaining access to fresh, locally grown food. We have partnered up with Whistler Community Services Society to understand the community’s needs better, and are excited to be introducing plots to our GROW program that will solely be growing food for the food bank.
Climate Change: A Social Issue for All
Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a social issue, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. These communities face higher exposure to environmental hazards and fewer resources to adapt. Local gardening initiatives like ours help build resilience, empowering individuals and communities to tackle climate impacts while addressing the broader goal of promoting sustainability.
Growing Our Community: Strength in Unity
AWARE’s community gardens serve as a hub for social inclusion and community engagement. As we work side by side, we build stronger relationships and create a support system that extends beyond the garden. Gardening offers a space for neighbors to collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen their sense of belonging. Together, we nurture a more resilient community.
Growing Yourself: Personal Growth Through Connection with Nature
Gardening is not just about food or community—it’s about personal growth. It teaches patience, resilience, and the value of small, consistent actions. The process encourages mindfulness and reflection, offering physical and mental benefits. This aligns with AWARE’s objective to provide educational opportunities and support personal development through connection with nature.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to the world of plants, there are many ways to get involved. Join our community garden program to access garden plots, seeds, tools, and workshops. Share your skills, learn from others, and enjoy the rewards of a homegrown harvest.
If gardening isn’t for you, support local growth by volunteering, spreading the word, or contributing to our fundraising efforts to sustain community gardens. Every little bit helps.
Together
Growing locally isn’t just about what we put in the ground—it’s about building stronger communities and fostering personal growth. By planting seeds in our gardens, we also plant the seeds of connection, sustainability, and resilience. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive community, one garden at a time.
Let’s keep growing—our food, our community, and ourselves. Join us in making our world a more sustainable, connected place.
Thank you to our program donors: Whistler Community Foundation, Vail Resorts Epic Promise and the Resort Municipality of Whistler
