Regina Food Bank plants idea of where food comes from

A new initiative aimed at growing food is hoped to grow young minds.

The Regina Food Bank has launched the Urban Agriculture Outreach Program, which will provide 15 schools and community groups with garden towers so kids can see where healthy, nutritious food comes from and how it’s grown.

Regina Food Bank CEO Steve Compton said they often get asked what they’re doing to shorten the line in regards to food bank users. He hopes this program will empower people to take it upon themselves to produce their own food in their homes or apartments, especially outside of the traditional gardening season and even during the winter months.

“We’re trying to say, ‘You can grow food, you can grow the food that’s right for you, that’s nutritious for you,’” he said.

The Mosaic Company contributed $50,000 towards the program.

Students on hand for the official launch already seemed to have a pretty good grasp on food.

“It comes from the ground. It has to be planted. It doesn’t just appear there,” said Jacob Exner, a Grade 7 student at St. Peter School. “It’s a process that takes a lot care and needs a certain amount of the right resources like water and healthy soil and it needs sunshine.”

While the 12-year-old understands that valuable piece of information, he also realizes the benefit of sharing that knowledge with others.

“It’s good for other people to understand how you get your food and what your food looks like, not just when you eat it but as it’s growing and through that process.”

Grade 8 student Ferison Alcantara agreed and added this could be the start of education that’s passed down to other generations.

“We could also teach our kids … how to grow plants and grow healthy food on the plate,” said Alcantara.

The food bank will keep track of the progress made with monthly highlights on its website and social media pages.