Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent (CK) has expanded its garden, adding six new raised garden beds with municipal funding.
The initiative began with a larger garden in 2025, funded by the municipality. After seeing the demand, Habitat for Humanity CK applied for more grants this year, allowing it to add six raised beds to the garden.
"We're just kind of piggybacking off on last year's grant and making the garden better and more accessible," said Habitat for Humanity CK Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations Anne Taylor.
Habitat for Humanity CK was given $4,743.15 to put towards the additions this year. The money came from Councillor Ward Funding thanks to Hydro One.
On Tuesday, the charity held a celebration for the new additions. In attendance were the three municipal figures who helped fund the gardens. Mayor Darrin Canniff funded $500, Councillor Conor Allin put forward $2,471.55, and Councillor Brock McGregor gave $1,771.60 towards what they call a "community-driven" initiative.
"There's a real passion for this project. When you look at how many volunteers are coming together, the Hydro One funds open the door to tap into the passion of our whole community, and this is a great example of that," Canniff explained.
The food grown through this garden will be donated to local food banks, as well as used to stock the Habitat for Humanity CK Pantry.
Taylor noted that the Pantry is quite popular, with food flying off the shelf.
"Just as fast as it goes in, it leaves just as fast. So with this garden and these raised beds, we're able to kind of complement that and have some fresh offerings for those who utilize it," Taylor added.
The organization plans to grow a variety of fresh vegetables, explaining the added garden space will increase access to nutritious food for individuals and families in need.
