Start Me Up Niagara is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2025 Adopt a Row Campaign, running from April 1 to May 31. This important initiative invites sponsors and individual donors to support the organization’s “From Our Garden” program, which provides fresh, organic produce to those in need in the Niagara region.
The “From Our Garden” program plays a central role in ensuring food security by providing fresh produce to the community at no cost. It is a critical resource in addressing food insecurity within our community. In 2024, the garden grew, harvested, and distributed 14,000 lbs of fresh produce on our 2-acre garden, located on donated land from the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Furthermore, we harvested and distributed an additional 28,000 lbs of fresh fruits and produce from the VRIC property. For over 14 years, this land has played a key role in supporting the Start Me Up Niagara Resource Centre and Kitchen Program. During the 2024 growing season, the produce distributed ranged from greens to staples like onions, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and beets, as well as highly sought-after fruits such as peaches, plums, nectarines, and apples. This food was delivered to 9 of the food banks in the Niagara Region who are Feed Niagara members, along with an additional 8 agencies, including women’s shelters, Salvation Army, Port Cares, and the Ozanam Centre, all at no cost. Additionally, we were able to provide children at a local school who were identified as food insecure with a hot, nutritious lunch every Friday, ensuring that fresh, healthy food reaches individuals and families in need. Our goal in 2025 is to raise at least $10,000 to support this year’s gardening season. With these funds, we aim to continue cultivating, harvesting and distributing fresh produce and fruits to support families and individuals facing food insecurity. Every harvest will directly benefit families and individuals. Our garden thrives because of the generosity of donations from our incredible supporters, and we are deeply grateful for their continued contributions that make all of this possible.
Why Participate?
- Support Local: All funds raised directly benefit Start Me Up Niagara’s essential programs.
- Make a Direct Impact: Your contribution helps grow fresh, food for individuals experiencing food insecurity.
- Community Building: By participating, you are investing in the future of Niagara’s most vulnerable residents.
Through the Adopt a Row Campaign, schools, service clubs, businesses, and individuals have the opportunity to support the community while receiving brand visibility, recognition in promotional materials, tax receipts, and inclusion in the wall of support. The funds raised directly cover the costs of growing and harvesting produce for the program, which is distributed to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a Row: Sponsor one or more rows of produce for the growing season.
- Donate: Individuals can donate and receive tax receipts and be acknowledged on our digital wall of support.
- Volunteer: Help out at the garden and assist in harvesting and distributing fresh produce.
About Start Me Up Niagara
Start Me Up Niagara is a local charity dedicated to supporting individuals facing homelessness, poverty, compromised
mental health and food insecurity. With programs designed to foster dignity, inclusivity, and well-being, Start Me Up
Niagara is a community leader in providing critical services.
In addition to From Our Garden, Start Me Up Niagara continues to provide a range of programs and services, including:
- Resource Centre
- Bike Me Up
- Niagara’s Mobile Closet and Mini Closets
- Work Action Centre employment agency and Income Matters program
- And, the Pay What You Can Pop-Up Market (May to October), providing fresh food at affordable prices
About Food Insecurity in Niagara
Food Insecurity in the Niagara Region:
( https://www.niagararegion.ca/living/healthy-eating/pdf/food-affordability-in-niagara-2023-report.pdf)
“Approximately one in five households in Niagara (20.7%) are food insecure.”
“While individuals who receive social assistance are at a greater risk for insecurity, the majority of households in Canada who report being food insecure are employed, receiving income from wages and salaries.”
For more information on the Adopt a Row Campaign or to get involved, please visit:
https://www.startmeupniagara.ca/site/adopt-a-row
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Emily Fieguth
Fundraising Coordinator
289-501-0263
efieguth@startmeupniagara.ca
Linda Crago
Garden Manager
lcrago@startmeupniagara.ca
