This summer (2014) four Just Growing interns and learning the ins and outs of community development through this program, especially as it relates to growing and preparing fresh organic vegetables. Some of our community garden plots are located in front of social housing, and our cooking classes bring people together who do not have their own kitchens. Pictured above are Katrina and Paul, interns, with a resident from Madison Lodge who enjoys baking

Intern Clare writes,

“Over the past six weeks we have been having weekly afternoon garden- drop in sessions at our garden boxes outside of Madison Lodge. At first, while many would watch from outside, we had few visitors from Madison. However, as the weeks went on, and our faces became more recognizable, these observers soon joined in and helped us plant, weed and water the garden boxes. During these drop-in afternoons, we slowly began forming relationships with these participants. In particular, one participant from Madison would ask skeptical questions about the garden and believed it was impossible for one seed to grow a plant. Over the course of the weeks, this participant has been amazed at the growth and produce from the garden. Though this transformation for one participant is one small piece of our day, it is these moments and relationships with Madison that have contributed to our growth in our summer internship!”

A Rocha’s Winnipeg-based Just Growing program, in partnership with St. Margaret’s Anglican Church with funding from Manitoba Urban Green Team and World Vision Canada, focuses on stewarding small pieces of urban land to bring forth the fruits of the earth for those living on the economic and social margins.

posted by Bethany Paetkau, A Rocha Community Organizer in Winnipeg, bethany.paetkau@arocha.ca