FED Program Mandate and Testimonials
Organizational overview and project impact testimonials from participants of the My FED Farm program.
Organizational mandate
FED creates high impact urban food system projects that contribute to an equitable and regenerative future. We promote innovative urban agriculture and enhance engagement by creating garden spaces, delivering educational programs, and advocating for urban agriculture within our community. By partnering with growers, restaurants, community organizations, and beyond, we're transforming our cityscape into a vibrant foodscape.
Program description
In 2022, 16.9% of Canadians were food insecure, compared with 12.9% in 2021. Overall, the proportion of individuals in households experiencing food insecurity has increased by 5.3 percentage points from 2018-2022. In BC this problem is exacerbated by high costs of living, with research suggesting that 17% of British Columbians are food insecure. In response to this only worsening crisis, FED is continuing its My FED Farm program, to provide garden kits to vulnerable households, community organizations including individuals living in low-income housing, senior centers, immunocompromised households, laid off workers, frontline workers, individuals with disabilities, single parent households, and First Nations communities. Across the program’s history, 3097 planters have been provided to individual households, community organizations, and First Nations communities, adding 16,055 lb of potential food grown by and for vulnerable populations.
Intended use of funds
The grant will be used to cover the hard costs of materials needed to create our garden kits. This includes soil, containers, education material, delivery costs and seeds. This will allow us to create both household garden kits for residents, as well as create larger gardens at community organizations.
Benefit to the District's citizens
My FED Farm is designed to increase food security for vulnerable populations by reducing barriers to accessing fresh, healthy, and affordable food. As shown in the depiction below, My FED Farm has created projects across and beyond the Greater Victoria Region.
Responding to Crisis
My FED Farm's first year was largely supported by a one-time, large, corporate donation as a response to Covid-19. Based on the positive impact the program has on the community, we have chosen to keep it running but now rely more on support from local government. We believe we should receive municipal funding as we are one of the few organizations empowering individuals across the CRD to improve their food security by reconnecting people with their food to improve their food security and mental well being.
Program Testimonials
“As someone who wants to be more environmentally conscious and as a low income student, I am so excited about my little garden as it may not have been something I would have the time or finances to do without FED Farm!”
“I was happy being a garden recipient, but after volunteering I realized that my happiness really comes from helping others get their own My FED Farm garden!”
“The pallet gardens are ideal for anyone with mobility challenges, and growing the freshest vegetables really increase the health and quality of life for everyone involved. We highly recommend the FED garden program.”
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