Chatham-Kent Public Health and the Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council want to hear your thoughts on expanding the Chatham-Kent Community Gardens program.
The two groups are asking the public to take an online survey on Let’s Talk Food CK about the future of the program.
They are looking for the following:
Individuals interested in growing their own fresh produce in the future
Volunteers who would like to serve as community garden leaders
Organizations seeking assistance to start a garden for their clients or communities
The public health unit said the Community Gardens program is free and open to anyone and helps people get outside to grow their own food and work together in shared garden spaces.
According to CK Public Health and the Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council, community members are provided with a garden plot and tips on how to get started.
“Community gardens strengthen communities by providing access to nutritious food,” said CK Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai. “Your input, through the completion of the online survey, will help us to expand this important program across Chatham-Kent.”
Click here to participate in the survey and learn more about the program.
The deadline to complete the survey is August 12th, 2025.
Public health officials noted public feedback will help plan and shape future garden spaces and support across Chatham-Kent.
The Food Policy Council noted several benefits of community gardens, including:
Getting active
Access to fresh fruits and veggies
Hands-on learning
Allow you to know where your food comes from
A personal sense of well-being including stress relief, education and creation of friendships
Beautifying unused spaces
Increases property values
Increases feelings of safety and community pride
Environmentally friendly: improves air quality, creates compost and filters rainwater.
