Who We Are
KW Urban Harvester’s vision is to transform urban spaces in the Kitchener-Waterloo Ontario area into anything sustainably edible, preserve the harvest, and save the seeds. We share the bounty out of a desire that no one goes without, and keep a library of knowledge about what we do for the wider world and future generations. Most importantly, we strive to bring meaning, purpose, and a sense of community during these difficult times.
Dissolve the pavement, re-imagine the turf, and repurpose unneeded structures to grow food.
Watch this video to learn how KW Urban Harvester supported food security during the pandemic. (Many appreciations to Noah Jean-Louis for video creation, and to Stephen Svenson for content creation!)
Grow-a-Row!
In response to COVID-19 and the growing food shortage, KWUH is running a Grow-a-Row program to help gardeners turn a portion of their lawns into gardens for growing food for those in need, and provides tips on growing and preserving harvest.
You can also donate seeds, seedlings and garden tools to this program, and we welcome financial donations to help purchase materials for those needing assistance to do so, through our umbrella organization LSPIRG.
Over 400 packages of seeds have been donated for the program and the momentum is literally growing!
Yardsharing!
Don't have space to garden? No problem! We are providing yardsharing tips and ideas to help gardeners find space to garden. This information also helps landowners who want to lend out space to other gardeners.
Our other initiatives include community gardening, and caring for pollinator gardens with the support of Grand River Forestry and other community groups.
Note Regarding COVID-19
In response to COVID-19, food supply chains are breaking down and food security is a growing concern, especially for the vulnerable in our community who were already facing food access challenges prior to this crisis. KW Urban Harvester has been responding by increasing our efforts to help urban food production. When you participate in local food initiatives such as our Grow-a-Row program or yardsharing, you are playing a vital role in helping during this time.
Get Involved!
With our broad mandate of promoting urban food production and preserving the harvest, we are always open to bringing in more volunteers. Feel free to contact us for more information and to get involved!
Wise Words...
I have found that caring for seeds, and getting our hands in the earth is one of the most powerful medicines for the historical trauma we all carry in some degree in our bodies from the displacement from the land, from knowing our foods and seeds with a familial intimacy.
--Rowen White, Mohawk Seedkeeper
Community Partners:
