With many Lloydminster residents getting their gardens going for another season, Home Hardware is trying to inspire residents to help grow meals for people in need.
The local hardware shop has launched Grow A Row YLL. Over the spring, as residents begin to grow vegetables in their gardens, Home Hardware is encouraging them to donate a portion of what they grow to the Olive Tree or St John’s Anglican Church Drop-In. In turn, these vegetables would be used for healthy community meals, meals for seniors and meals at local shelters as well.
Laura Wich was one of the Home Hardware employees who spearheaded the campaign, says a donation to the Olive Tree, for example, could have far-reaching impacts.
“Any of these donations that they can’t use for the community meals that they’re already producing, they can also put in these hampers, these baskets, and take to the men’s shelter as meals. So there’s no waste, it’s all going to get used, it’s all going to really good causes, and anything that we can do to offset their grocery bills, it’s just going to be phenomenal.”
The program is also has a prize on the line. By tagging Home Hardware or using the hashtag #growarowyll, residents could win a $100 Gift Card to the store. The hashtag would also work as a gathering point where people can see each others’ yields, get inspired or discuss growing ideas.
Wich explains that Grow a Row is something that could foster togetherness between family and friends, and they hope to see pictures of people of all ages getting involved.
“As your plants are growing, we really wanted to foster a sense of community and collaboration. Get gardeners working together, sharing their successes and failures. It’s really an opportunity for the whole growing season.”
The Grow a Row initiative will be ongoing throughout the growing season.