Growing Gardens, Growing Minds

Inspired by the event’s success and aligned with its commitment to increasing food supports and food literacy for students, IGNITE Durham Learning Foundation has partnered with us to expand the program and reach more schools.

We Grow Food has also partnered with the Durham District School Board, the Durham Catholic District School Board, and other local community groups to create the Edible Garden Project. Gardens are now sprouting across Durham Region — with even more on the way.

We believe in the importance of growing our own food and connecting community members through the sharing of fresh, locally grown produce in an urban setting. Students across the region are coming together to learn about growing food, seed saving, local food systems, and so much more.

Paul Harris

Fellow Recognition

We Grow Food was delighted to attend the Rotary Club of Whitby’s third annual Community Awards Night, where we were honoured to be recognized as one of four award recipients. We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and proud to be part of a community that values collaboration, sustainability, and giving back. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Whitby for this meaningful acknowledgement and for the work you do to support our community.

About the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition

Named after Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International, the Paul Harris Fellow recognition is one of Rotary’s highest honours. Established in 1957, it is awarded to individuals who contribute, or have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation.

The recognition was created to celebrate meaningful contributions that support Rotary’s humanitarian, educational, and community-based initiatives around the world. Over time, it has come to symbolize a strong commitment to service, generosity, and positive global impact.

INTRODUCTION

Edible Garden Project

The Edible Garden Project helps schools and community spaces across Durham Region grow fresh, healthy food while teaching students and volunteers about gardening, sustainability, and local food systems.


BUILD

Garden Installation

Bring an edible garden to your school, nonprofit, or community space! We’ll help design and build a garden that supports hands-on learning, fresh food access, and environmental awareness.

VOLUNTEERING

Education Volunteers

Join our team in the classroom and the garden! Volunteers help children create wicking pots, map their gardens, paint plant plaques, and plant vegetables. It’s a fun, hands-on way to inspire the next generation of growers.

VOLUNTEERING

Garden Mentoring

Perfect for those with experience, or passion, in horticulture or agriculture! Garden Mentors dedicate 3–10 hours a month to help maintain gardens, share knowledge, and ensure they continue to thrive long after planting day.

SUPPORT

Donations

Your support helps us grow! Every contribution provides seeds, soil, and tools for our gardens and educational programs. Together, we can make fresh, healthy food more accessible across Durham Region.

OUR PORTFOLIO

Our Projects

Slide 1
oUR jOURNEY iN nUMBERS
Where We Grow

Below is the number of edible gardens installed across Durham Region as part of our Edible Garden Project. Each garden represents a step toward building a more connected, sustainable, and food-secure community.

112

Public & Catholic Schools

22

Non-Profit Neighbourhoods

2

Church Communities

3

Community Gardens

3

Agency Community Gardens

previous arrow
next arrow
OUR NEWSLETTER

The Latest Editions

Summer 2025

Our Summer Newsletter is here, packed with seasonal inspiration and helpful resources! Inside, you’ll find a delicious new recipe, drought-friendly gardening tips and tools to keep your gardens thriving, and a special spotlight on Beaver River Public School!

Winter 2025

Our Winter 2025 Newsletter is here, filled with cozy inspiration for the season! Inside, you’ll find helpful seed-saving tips to prepare for spring, a heartfelt story written by one of our volunteers, and a delicious seasonal recipe to enjoy during the colder months.

Autumn 2024

Our Fall 2024 Newsletter takes a closer look at the Edible Garden Project, sharing inspiring stats, background details, and helpful tips on keeping a garden journal to track your growth through the seasons. It’s the perfect read to reflect and celebrate how far we’ve come this year!

Autumn 2025

Our next Newsletter is coming this December, filled with seasonal updates, helpful gardening insights, and community highlights you won’t want to miss! Stay tuned and subscribe to be the first to read it when it’s released.

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA

Stay Up to Date