Oshawa: $82,500 grant grows community garden at Durham Community Health Centre

Oshawa MPP Jennifer French met with the team at Durham Community Health Centre on Friday to learn about the impact of an $82,500 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed grant the centre received late last year. The year-long grant was used to develop and maintain a community garden.

The project grows produce for food-insecure residents, while creating a community space for skill-building and social connection, the centre says. "Free and accessible community spaces like our community garden are extremely beneficial to our neighborhoods, acting as a haven for social connection, skill building, and reconnecting with nature," said Ashley Ward, Program Support at Durham Community Health Centre.

"I am so grateful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Seed grant to such a deserving organization," said French. "This investment went far in assisting with the development and maintenance of a community garden. Far beyond the garden itself, the funds ensured that the new skills would help building a healthier community, meet basic needs and improve financial stability for our neighbours."

Durham Community Health Centre is a registered charitable organization providing integrated, accessible and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services and health education to Durham community members who face multiple barriers to their health and well-being.