GROW Community Greenhouses & Gardens
Since 2017, AWARE has been running the GROW Community Greenhouse and Gardens Program, where locally grown food is made possible and sustainability thrives.
The Issues We Face
Being a resort municipality does not make Whistler immune to the plight of food insecurity and social isolation that plagues many communities across the country. The urgent challenge of climate change is just as much a social issue as it is an environmental issue.
Evidence indicates that climate change impacts disproportionately affect low-income, immigrant, elderly, and disabled communities, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
Our Step Toward Change
The GROW Community Greenhouse & Gardens program empowers local residents to take climate action by growing their own food, promoting sustainability and reducing GHG emissions. Through local organic growing practices we reduce food miles, waste and industrial agriculture impacts. The program supports local food security by growing high-demand, nutrient dense produce for the local food bank. It also aims to increase social inclusion and community engagement by offering educational workshops and community events accessible to all within the community, regardless of background or ability.
We recognize we can’t do this alone and are in active collaboration with local organizations and government, where we’re creating spaces for community action.
Impact & Success Stories
We’re focused on cutting carbon emissions from the food we grow, and we’re tracking our progress. Each year, we’ll aim to produce more local food than the last.
Growing Locally: Nurturing Our Gardens, Our Community, and Ourselves
At AWARE, we believe in the power of local. Whether it’s growing food in our community gardens or fostering stronger connections among neighbours, growing locally transforms both our environment and our lives.
GROW Program in Full Bloom: Cultivating Community and Sustainability
Summer is in full swing, and our GROW gardeners are reaping the rewards! Spruce Grove, Myrtle Philip, and Alpha Lake Greenhouses are bursting with delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peas, herbs, and lettuces. This year’s crop…
GROWing Together: A Recap of Our EpicPromise Day Adventure
By the Numbers: In the Dirt Together This past Sunday, June 2, 2024, AWARE and Whistler Blackcomb joined forces for an unforgettable EpicPromise Day adventure at our GROW Community Greenhouse location at Alpha Lake. EpicPromise…
What You Can Do
- Register for GROW: Rent a GROW garden box and start growing fresh, local food.
- Join a Workshop or Event | Learn new gardening skills and connect with others in a hands-on, fun way.
- Become an AWARE Member and receive perks at all of our events.
- Sign Up for Volunteer Opportunities
- Partner Up | If you’re part of a local organization or business, let’s see how we can collaborate to create a greater impact.