The Food for Thought project is growing a garden and a community

The Food for Thought project has restored a withering garden to a thriving place for plants and people to grow. The veggie garden is now an open and welcoming space for the community to gather, share gardening tips and take their produce and learnings home.

After six months of toiling, the garden is well-established at the Altona Meadows Community Centre, and last September produced an abundant harvest of silver beet, carrots and spinach.

We provided the Food for Thought project with $10,000 through our Thriving Communities grants and sponsorships program. With the community grant, the Altona Meadows Community Centre are running a program of events that is open to all and covers topics ranging from how to go organic to choosing the right plants for your home garden.

Monica and Leanne, managers of the Altona Meadows Community Centre, led the project and structured the events program to include all ages, abilities and cultures. While developing the program, Leanne and Monica sought input from their community.

“The most common concern is the economic impact on household incomes with the rising cost of living. Food insecurity has become an issue of our time and many community members said the first items off their shopping lists are fresh fruit and vegetables.” Monica said.

With that in mind, the program provides a safe, supportive space where the community can connect and learn about the benefits of growing their own food. The program also provides leadership opportunities for community members to facilitate sessions and invest in the longevity and success of the program.

During the workshops, participants are given practical, hands-on experience as well as seedlings and worm wee to take home for their own gardens.

“The garden builds community interaction and develops a more positive sense of space for residents, which in turn promotes physical and mental health, wellbeing and connection.” says Leanne.

With their community grant funding, the Altona Meadows Community Centre have responded to the needs of their community and created a thriving garden. In his twenty-sixth year of volunteering at the centre, Stephen Holt has planted and produced a bumper crop of tomatoes, which are now being shared with those in the community who need them most.

If you’ve got a community-based project, the next round of our Thriving Communities project is now open. To learn more about the types of grants and sponsorships we offer and apply, visit Thriving Communities.

Stephen Holt and his legendary zucchini harvest at the Food for Thought project’s community garden.