Project will provide fresh food, job training, and community development

Starting this Saturday, the growing trend towards “urban agriculture” will blossom in one of Vancouver’s least green neighbourhoods. A new half-acre farm is being developed on two parking lots in the 700 block of Hastings Street. Called “SOLEfood”, it aims to nourish community members in more ways than one.

“Access to fresh local food is a critical aspect of a healthy community,” says Seann Dory, project lead and Manager of Sustainability at United We Can, a project sponsor. “But beyond that, we’ll be able to create activity and opportunities that help support people who are dealing with poverty, mental health or addiction issues.”

The urban farm will feature 80 raised garden beds that will grow a variety of vegetables and herbs for residents of the neighbourhood. Food produced will also be sold/given to farmers markets, community kitchens or local businesses. The project will employ 12 seasonal workers who will receive training in planning, planting, and managing the farm. It will also lead to other economic development opportunities, such as a composting service now being planned.

“This is a great example of what can be done when partners convene to make the best use of local resources and create employment from them,” says Brian Smith, Business and Social Enterprise Developer of Building Opportunities With Business, another project partner. “This training will not only teach inner-city residents about horticulture but the importance of healthy food and food security”

More than fifteen local organizations, businesses and individuals have taken part in bringing SOLEfood to life. Donations to date include $18,000 plus in-kind donations of time, wood pallets for composters, drills, wheelbarrows and nails. The farm will “break ground” (begin to build the 80 garden boxes) on Saturday, October 31, at 10:00am, with the work party slated to last until 3:00pm. Volunteers from all walks of life are planning to turn out to help.

“We’ve had an incredible response to the idea of launching an inner-city farm – people are excited,” says Dory. “It seems to have touched a real chord. Clearly there’s something about bringing back green spaces, promoting healthy food, and creating opportunities for positive engagement that satisfies some sort of need in our city lives – no matter who we are.”

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