Baraga was started in 1982 to provide residents of Burnaby with space to grow vegetables and fruit. We have 372 plots on 14 acres, leased from the City of Burnaby. We have a long waitlist and it takes several years for a plot to come available.
For the last 10 years we have partnered with Ryan's Rainbow Emergency Food Outreach. We donate vegetables, fruit and herbs every week from June to October. Gardeners donate from their individual plots. And we plant specifically for the food bank in our orchard space. When we began our collaboration, Ryan's was helping 45 families. Since then, the need has grown and today they serve over 300 families. Our fresh produce helps to provide healthy food. We recieve a generous donation of seeds from West Coast Seeds and other companies.
We are privileged to have space to garden and enjoy nature in the urban environment. More experienced gardeners teach newcomers. We periodically produce a newsletter which focuses on education. Gardeners are always sharing advice on how to improve. We are eager to give back to the commuity and share our bounty with Ryan's Rainbow. As well, it is exciting to see the children of our members want to participate and learn about where our food comes from.
Obviously our contribution to Ryan's Rainbow makes a concrete difference in the lives of families in need. Some members donate fo other Food Banks, as well as taking produce to their friends and neighbours.
We have several plots rented to community groups such as Burnaby Neighbourhood House and Fraserview Community Society supporting adults with developmental disabilities. We are involved with Burnaby Food Systems Strategy in developing a plan for food security in Burnaby.
Check out theirΒ websiteΒ and how they are working on providing immediate relief for hunger in Burnaby