Blog  February 2, 2012

Community and food security meet at BC’s Ksan House Society

Ksan House Society is a multi-faceted social service agency in Terrace, BC, and just one of the amazing projects we were able to fund in 2011 through the Walmart–Evergreen Green Grants Program.

Already providing public education, social programs, safe shelter, food and other vital resources to an underserved community, Ksan House Society recognized a need for access to affordable, fresh and healthy foods. So in 2009, the Northern Fresh Foods Project and the Ksan Community Greenhouse were born.

The Greenhouse, which includes both indoor and outdoor growing space, is located behind the Society’s emergency shelter. Day-to-day, their clients and community volunteers work alongside each other, getting their hands in the dirt and learning skills that help increase personal food security and boost employability.

The project has been such a success that just last year over 600 pounds of produce were harvested from the site! Fifty percent was sold to support Ksan programming, with the other half distributed to partner agencies that redirect it to individuals and families in need.

Old tires are repurposed as gardening beds. (Photo: Ksan House Society)

The project also actively demonstrates innovation and sustainable food growing practices, using a diverse range of recycled materials, such as the reclaimed barn wood used to build garden beds. Damaged soil bags were donated by the local Walmart store to supplement their home-made topsoil of composted leaves, grass clippings and manure. By sourcing free, local materials, the Ksan House Society’s Northern Fresh Foods Project has illustrated that almost any unused space can be turned into a thriving green garden with the helping hands of the community.

Evergreen is proud to have been able to support this project—it truly demonstrates the benefits that arise from the dedicated individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to bring community development and greening projects together for the benefit of all. Learn more about our funding and grant programs, and sign up to receive email updates here.