Saskatoon city officials are implementing a unique approach to combat the increasing issue of food insecurity. The city is trialing the concept of food forests in two parks on the west side, with pilot initiatives expected to yield results in approximately two years.
Food forests have a historical background, originating from Indigenous communities in the Americas. The city’s initiative involves planting trees and shrubs that produce fruits and vegetables to provide nutritious food options for those in need.
Shannon Dyck, a sustainability specialist with the City of Saskatoon, emphasized that while the two food forest projects may not completely solve food insecurity problems, they aim to offer a potential solution. The pilot projects are currently ongoing at Broughton Park in the Holiday Park neighborhood and Leif Erickson Park in Westmount, selected due to the absence of nearby grocery stores.
Community engagement played a significant role in shaping the project, with residents offering input on the types of crops to be grown. Varieties such as saskatoon berries, raspberries, haskaps, strawberries, rhubarb, and asparagus are already being cultivated, alongside less common fruits like apples, plums, apricots, and pears.
The food forests will be maintained and nurtured over the next couple of years before being accessible to the public. If successful, the project may be expanded to other parts of the city. The endeavor is funded at $360,000, with 60% covered by a federal infrastructure grant and the remainder by the city.
Laurie O’Connor, executive director of the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, commended the city’s innovative project as forward-thinking and inclusive. She highlighted the importance of growing accessible food for everyone, especially amid rising food costs.
Recent statistics show a significant increase in food bank usage in Saskatoon, reflecting the broader issue of food insecurity in the region. With Saskatchewan ranking higher than the national average in poverty and food insecurity rates, the city is actively seeking solutions to address these challenges.
The overarching goal is to create sustainable and community-driven initiatives that not only provide access to fresh produce but also promote food security and well-being among residents.