A collaboration between the Port Moody Police, Coquitlam Farmers Market and Share Family and Community Services has resulted in several pounds of fresh produce for the food bank.
Volunteers with Share have planted several varieties of vegetables at the new community garden at the PoMo police station, resulting in healthier meals for Tri-Cities families.
"There's a lot of gratitude for the healthy food," acknowledged Thor Larsen, Share's community development worker, who said 54 pounds of produce had been picked already and more is coming.
"It's interesting to see, all different cultures are accessing the food," he said, noting that it's placed on the produce table on food bank day and people get to choose what they want.
Some of the food is turned into healthy meals by members of the Community Sharing Group that runs a kitchen sponsored by Share, and Larsen said people are learning what to do with vegetables they wouldn't ordinarily eat.
In just a couple of months, the community garden outside the PoMo police station has grown lush with flowers and vegetables and there are a few decorative elements as well, along with a garden shed for equipment.
GOOD USE OF EXTRA SPACE
Deputy police chief Andy Richard said the garden is a good use of vacant space and he likes to see the interaction between police and residents.
The garden came about when the Coquitlam Farmers Market was looking for opportunities to develop community gardens on unused land. Spokesperson Lori Greyell, whose son Bodhi, three, enjoys looking at all the plants, says it's gratifying to see the project come together after a long gestation period.
So far about 50 people are working plots, and there's a waiting list of about 15 people.
Const. Luke van Winkel, community relations officer for PMPD, said his colleagues enjoy having the garden as part of their work space. "Everybody is on board, they're engaging with people who come by," he said.
For more information about the Coquitlam Farmers Market and the community garden, visit makebakegrow.com
