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LEDGE AND FOOD
the community, and we are incredibly happy to
have been able to support it.”
With the funding, SFE will rejuvenate the
space and revive the orchard and garden as a
well-used, well-loved public space centred on
food sustainability, food security and community.
“Taking over this space is a growth opportunity,”
Batal says. “The more we’re able to grow and
expand, the more we can promote our mission
and what we want to see in terms of people
engaging in urban agriculture in the city.”
In its first season, SFE made significant
progress including planting new trees, adding
and rebuilding community garden beds,
and initiating an orchard steward program.
“Community volunteers can learn about growing
trees in the orchard, and then take care of their
own little plot,” Batal says. “For those who aren’t
ready to take care of a plot or even grow their
own garden at home, they can dabble in caring
for the plants in the community garden.” Thanks
to ECF’s support, SFE was able to purchase a new
shed, hire a local artist to refinish a permanent
outdoor table, host programming and events, and
hire an orchard coordinator to organize events
and survey the community about what they’d like to see
happen in the orchard and garden. In the fall, the famous
apple-pressing event returned. “[In 2024] it will be really
nice for people to participate in the full cycle: tending to the
trees that grow the apples in the spring, and picking and
pressing — and eating — apples in the fall.”
In 2024, SFE plans to expand and introduce new
offerings based on community feedback. “We want to do
more events for the community at the orchard, and just
continue to offer more ways to engage people in growing
food,” Batal says. “Our theory of change is that if people are
engaged, they’re aware. If we teach them some food skills,
they will more
likely develop these skills and nurture them and practice
them in their own life, whether it’s their own community
garden, or in their own garden beds at home where they
will be growing food for themselves, which is an important
element of food security.”
When it comes to food security, SFE is part of an
ecosystem alongside food banks and food donation
programs. “Anybody who is interested in getting more
involved in food security and sustainable food in
Edmonton, especially if they have a project or an idea, or
they want to volunteer with us, should reach out because
we’d love to build those connections.”
row, Eat