Growing Food, Sharing Culture at the Rainbow Community Garden in Winnipeg, Canada

Laura Lucas,Fabiana Li

doi:10.15353/cfs-rcea.v7i2.439

Abstract

The Rainbow Community Gardens in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a community project that supports immigrant and refugee families and helps them to grow their own food. The photos and accompanying text that make up this photo essay examine the role of food and community gardens as a means of expressing cultural identity, and the possible benefits of the Gardens in terms of building community, learning new skills, and growing culturally appropriate foods that can contribute to people’s health and food security. These benefits, and the mission of the Gardens, have gained new relevance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on gardening, food systems, and marginalized groups in Canada.

Highlights

With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting vulnerabilities in a globalized food system, the ability to grow one’s own food seems to be more important than ever
While gardeners have faced challenges over the years, including inadequate access to water and economic barriers associated with public transportation to the garden sites, this past summer was their best growing season yet
The Rainbow Garden team has big plans for future improvements to help serve the needs of even more newcomer families

Summary

Introduction

With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting vulnerabilities in a globalized food system, the ability to grow one’s own food seems to be more important than ever. Growing food, sharing culture at the Rainbow Community Garden in Winnipeg, Canada The Rainbow Community Garden enables new immigrant and refugee families in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to do just that.

Results

Conclusion