MOOSE JAW — The Farmer’s Market for Charity hosted by Hunger in Moose Jaw and supported by its Yara Community Gardens is returning this month with the aim of reinvesting in the garden space which in turn helps feed the community.
This year’s fundraiser will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, between 9 a.m. and noon.
“We offer a charity fundraiser every year that benefits our Yara Community Gardens,” explained Sharla Sept, the executive director of Hunger in Moose Jaw.
“So, on August 24th… at our Home Street location, we will be selling fresh produce and baking, and all funds will go right back into the Yara Community Gardens.”
The Yara Community Garden is actually a rental location, Sept explained, and individuals are able to rent an individual plot for a nominal fee paid to Hunger in Moose Jaw who oversees the garden space.
Each renter is given the freedom to do as they wish with their produce, but part of the rental agreement includes a clause where each of these individuals are asked to donate a small portion of their produce to enable farmer’s markets such as this to take place.
So far, she said these market events have seen “a really good turnout” and around $2,500 is raised each year to support the ongoing project.
Proceeds from the annual farmer’s markets are reinvested into the space and cover the cost for upkeep so that individuals in need can rent a plot at an affordable price point. In addition, a few existing sheds and tools kept on site and freely provided for renters to use are maintained from these funds.
“Our gardens rely on that community support,” explained Sept. “We appreciate each and every dollar that comes through because it helps us build, grow, and keep these gardens going with opportunities for more and more community members to be involved.”
Sept is also requesting that any visitors bring a reusable bag with them to keep with the spirit of the local green space and its focus on environmental responsibility.
For more information about Hunger in Moose Jaw, call 306-692-1916 or visit HungerInMooseJaw.org. The organization also maintains a Facebook page at ‘Hunger in Moose Jaw.’
To apply for a garden plot next spring, contact Hunger in Moose Jaw on or before March 1st when registrations typically open for the upcoming growing season.
The Farmer’s Market Fundraiser will be held at the Yara Community Gardens located along the 100 block of Home Street West.
