
Our small group of nine managed to harvest 250lbs (113 kg) of chard in under an hour!
In early August the Edmonton Food Bank, along with dedicated volunteers, visited Edmonton's City Farms, a repurposed section of the City of Edmonton tree nursery created during the COVID-19 pandemic. City Farms not only grows food for donation but also provides volunteering and learning opportunities for the community, playing a crucial role in supporting local food security alongside Edmonton's Food Bank.
Our trip aimed to learn about sustainable farming practices and assist in harvesting fresh produce for Edmonton’s Food Bank. The day began with a tour of City Farms, where volunteers discovered the wide range of crops grown, such as chard, kale, corn, carrots, beets, various squash, pumpkins, and zucchini. We learned about the strategies employed to protect crops from pests and birds, including scarecrows, plastic sheeting, and netting. Additionally, we were introduced to the benefits of companion planting, a method that promotes the healthy coexistence of crops and aids in pest and disease prevention. One such example is the turnip, which not only serves as a natural aphid repellent but also benefits other vulnerable crops like squash, tomatoes, celery, cabbage, broccoli, sprouts, beans, onions, garlic, lettuce, and chard.

Our volunteers also managed to harvest over 350lbs (158 kg) of turnips in an hour!
In addition to the educational and enjoyment aspects of the trip, the Edmonton Food Bank also provided transportation for attendees. This was an essential component of the event, as it reduced our carbon footprint and gave individuals without access to a car the opportunity to participate in this unique experience. The day was not only about sustainable farming and giving back but also fostering a sense of community and promoting inclusivity. The day ended with an exercise where participants could choose to share feelings and thoughts about reciprocity and what participation at the farm meant to them.
As Edmonton's Food Bank continues to seek innovative ways to support our community and promote sustainable living, we look forward to more collaborative events like this one. A big thank you to City Farms, our dedicated volunteers, and everyone who made this special experience possible!
Interested in helping out?
To Volunteer with Edmonton’s Food bank please contact or see our website at: https://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com/volunteer/
To Volunteer with City Farms please go to their website: at:https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/gardens_lawns_trees/city-farms
If you are interested in attending one of Edmonton’s City Farms upcoming events see their website here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/city-of-edmonton-85715194513