G.A.P. Gardens
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The G.A.P. Garden Program was launched in 2019 in response to feedback from the 2018 Needs Assessment Survey that cited a need from our neighbours for more fresh produce. Several schools, churches, businesses and home gardeners in Gravenhurst and the surrounding area have rallied to the cause and have helped the program grow year after year.
By The Numbers: 2019: 20 Garden Beds at 7 Sites. 320 Bages of Produce. 2020: 29 Garden Beds at 10 Sites. 368 Bags of Produce. 2021: 31 Garden Beds at 11 Sites. 416 Bags of Produce. 2022: 42 Garden Beds at 14 Sites. 560 Bags of Produce. |
"Food is our common ground, a universal shared experience."
James Beard
James Beard
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JOIN the G.A.P. Garden Program!
Ways to get involved: 1) GROW + SHARE 🌱🤲 If you already have a plan to grow a garden at your home or cottage this year, consider planting just 5% more this Spring and then donating the additional produce that you harvest to G.A.P. for us to distribute to our neighbours in need through our Food Program. 2) LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT 🌱👔 If you own or operate a business here in Gravenhurst, consider growing a small G.A.P. Garden at your establishment. Not only is it a visual act of kindness in supporting our neighbours in need, but you can donate the produce that you grow to our Food Program. We would be happy to provide G.A.P. Garden signs and reimburse for the acquisition of seeds or soil. If you have an interest in growing vegetables or other produce and being part of the G.A.P. Garden Program, contact us - we'd love to hear from you. We are prepared to reimburse you for the cost of soil, seeds & seedlings and are willing to assist with the tending and harvest. |
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“Supporting those in need combined with my love of gardening all came together for me to become a G.A.P. volunteer. I like to live in a community that cares like this about others.”
-- Sylvia, a G.A.P. Volunteer |
G.A.P. Garden Program: The Story From Soil To Table
The idea of creating gardens that would produce a substantial source of fresh, local vegetables originally came from the G.A.P. 2018 Needs Assessment Survey. The people in our community living in difficulty indicated that fresh produce was expensive to buy and something they needed more of in their homes. Follow-up conversations suggested that there was interest in participating and learning more about gardening.
In March 2019, volunteers came together to plan and build garden boxes. Trinity United Church, Gateway Worship Centre, the Bethune House, The Shipyards Muskoka Marketplace and Taylor Chiropractic offered garden space. Meetings were arranged with teachers to involve students at Gravenhurst High School, Gravenhurst Public School and Muskoka Beechgroove Public School.
The idea of creating gardens that would produce a substantial source of fresh, local vegetables originally came from the G.A.P. 2018 Needs Assessment Survey. The people in our community living in difficulty indicated that fresh produce was expensive to buy and something they needed more of in their homes. Follow-up conversations suggested that there was interest in participating and learning more about gardening.
In March 2019, volunteers came together to plan and build garden boxes. Trinity United Church, Gateway Worship Centre, the Bethune House, The Shipyards Muskoka Marketplace and Taylor Chiropractic offered garden space. Meetings were arranged with teachers to involve students at Gravenhurst High School, Gravenhurst Public School and Muskoka Beechgroove Public School.
Seeds were purchased and planted in pots of soil and seedlings began growing in homes and classrooms across the community. Thanks to support secured through a grant application, a donation of wood from the Gravenhurst Home Building Centre, a discount on soil from Coon Bros and the physical labour of many dedicated volunteers, fourteen garden boxes were built, filled and planted alongside the existing plots at some of the sites.
Lead gardeners were established along with volunteers who would water and weed on a regular schedule. With hard work, determination and tender care, the gardens flourished. Plenty of fresh harvest was brought weekly to the G.A.P. Thursday night fresh produce giveaway as well as the weekly community lunches.
In 2020, additional boxes were added at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre.
The G.A.P. Garden project has been a wonderful success in Gravenhurst with plans to build additional boxes in 2023 and beyond!
Lead gardeners were established along with volunteers who would water and weed on a regular schedule. With hard work, determination and tender care, the gardens flourished. Plenty of fresh harvest was brought weekly to the G.A.P. Thursday night fresh produce giveaway as well as the weekly community lunches.
In 2020, additional boxes were added at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre.
The G.A.P. Garden project has been a wonderful success in Gravenhurst with plans to build additional boxes in 2023 and beyond!