Hamilton Victory Gardens wins $25K from Ontario Trillium Fund

A local volunteer-based gardening organization in Hamilton has won a $25,000 grant from the provincial government.

The Ontario Trillium Fund awarded Hamilton Victory Gardens a grant on behalf of its Resilient Communities. The fund aims to financially bolster organizations that positively impact their communities.

Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Neil Lundsen presented the award to the organization Monday afternoon.

“Hamilton Victory Gardens enriches the lives of people in Hamilton and plays an important role in building a strong and prosperous economy in Ontario. That’s why I am proud that they are receiving this support,” said Lumsden. “Organizations like Hamilton Victory Gardens are the pillars of our community. This funding will enable them to better serve the people of Hamilton and continue to make a positive difference.”

Hamilton Victory Gardens was founded in 2011 when it built its first public garden on Catharine Street North.

The space offered the neighbourhood a place to grow food and learn the basics of agriculture, all while reducing food insecurity for the community.

Over the course of several years, the group has expanded and at its peak it operated 12 public gardens across Hamilton and with 661 raised garden beds in total.

Currently, it operates six sites and a greenhouse which operates year round.

Each year it produce thousands of pounds of fresh food, which is then donated to local food banks, such as Good Shepherd, Mission Services and Living Rock.

According to the group’s website, over 220,500 pounds of fresh produce has been harvested in the past nine years.

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The organization bases its practice on a wartime trend from the early 20th century.

During the period between the two world wars, people throughout North America and Europe would repurpose public spaces, such as parks, into gardens.

The food grown was then distributed throughout its respective community as a way of contributing to the war effort.

Hamilton Victory Gardens says the money will be put towards boosting its volunteer recruitment and retention programs.

Those looking to get involved in the organization can do so by visiting its website.