Project Title
Gardening "First Aid": A Creative Approach for Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies
Organization Information
Organization Name
Mission and Vision of Organization
Here at Unique Get Together Society, we see the value in everyone. We are dedicated to empowering Indigenous, marginalized and underserved communities, individuals and families. Dedicated to strengthening their overall physical, mental, social-emotional, and spiritual development. To assist families, communities and individuals through our programs such as nutritional health, family support advocacy and subsidies. We are here to fight racial and other social inequalities with love and compassion.
"Stand up for truth, stand up for justice, stand up for equality and I will be there with you." - Martin Luther King Jr
Guiding Principles + Values
Our vision is to be empowered by love for humanity, the land, and for the things we do to support each other every single day. We want to create a safe place to promote individual integrity, inclusion, and diversity. That is what we were created to do: love each other no matter what, regardless of skin colour, religion, or values, without judgment, and be open-minded and accepting of each other to love.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact Person(s): Debra Abraham, she/her
- Email: debra@ugts.ca
- Phone: 604-725-2483
- Address: 500-610 Main Street Vancouver BC
- Website: https://www.uniquegettogethersociety.com/
Preferred Method of Contact
- Best method(s) to contact: Email, Phone
- Best day(s) to contact: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
- Best time(s) to contact: Mornings, Afternoons
Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration
- Email, Phone, Zoom
Project Description
Note: This project will take place in person
Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?
We currently have a food hamper program and we are wanting to expand this initiative to produce and distribute gardening 'first aid kits.' These kits will support our members to build a small garden at home. The goal is to reduce the rates of micronutrient deficiencies in Canada; especially among those in low income homes who may not have steady access to micronutrient rich foods. The kit would be a fun/cost effective way to break down the barriers that separate quality food and education from those who may otherwise not be able to afford it.
Main Project Activities and Deliverables
Students will work with UGTS to determine which types of food plants would be most suitable to include in the kits. In addition to seasonal and climate considerations, factors such as space constraints (e.g. balcony, patio, windowsill), accessibility for novice gardeners ("easy to grow/care for"), micronutrient density, and organizational budget should be considered.
Students will:
- Plant seeds
- Transplant seedlings when appropriate
- Advise on watering/sunlight needs of the specific plant(s)
- Create notecards with step-by-step instructions on caring for plants during changing seasons and/or which plants grow better under certain environmental conditions
- Create notecards about the micronutrients in the plants, their health benefits, and the consequences of becoming deficient (using friendly, accessible language)
To avoid waste, UGTS will also provide kits intended to replenish soil, seeds, etc.. This includes sachets to enrich the soil with micronutrients. For example, if one type of kit tackled iron deficiency it would include the seeds to grow dark leafy greens and sachets of iron to enrich the soil.
If time permits:
- Students will assist UGTS to develop an evaluation strategy, including indicators of progress/success (are members enjoying the kits as intended? How well are micronutrient challenges being addressed? etc.). The strategy will help UGTS assess the impact of the initiative in the future, and identify ways to improve its effectiveness over time
Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)
- Gardening knowledge, especially container gardening
- Knowledge and interest in soil and organic fertilizing approaches
- Knowledge of nutrition
- Interest in public health and addressing micronutrient deficiencies in a Canadian context
Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?
- Dates/times for hands-on activities will be discussed and decided with community partner
Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?
- No
How much self-direction is expected from the students?
- Deciding on the project deliverable(s): Led by students
- Developing the activity plan and timeline: Equal leadership between students and community partner
- Scheduling and initiating the communication plan (e.g. weekly Zoom check-in, biweekly email update, etc.): Equal leadership between students and community partner
- Implementing the activity plan (e.g. surveying stakeholder groups): Mostly led by students, with some community partner input
- Finalizing the deliverable(s): Led by students
Related Community Service Opportunities for Students
- We are always looking for volunteers. Please ask about opportunities!
Required Reading
Project/Partner Orientation Materials
Students should review the following materials prior to the first partner meeting. Additional orientation materials may be provided at the first partner meeting.
- Unique Get Together Society website
- Growing Food in Containers (2021). West Coast Seeds.
- Do Canadian Adults Meet Their Nutrient Requirements Through Food Intake Alone? (2012). Health Canada
Expected Outcomes
Intended Short-term Project Outcome
UGTS will have increased knowledge and hands-on support in designing and implementing the garden bag initiative, which increases nutritious food access and reduces gardening barriers for members
Learning Outcomes
Through this project, I think students will learn about...
- The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in Canada
- The importance of micronutrients for health
- Barriers to accessing nutritious food experienced by marginalized members of society
- Challenges related to gardening space/land access
By working on this project, I think students will develop skills and/or awareness of...
- Ways to reduce barriers to nutritious food access
- Ways to reduce barriers to growing food
- Simple to grow our own food at home
- Designing a gardening initiative that considers multiple barriers and space constraints
By the end of the project, I believe students will come to appreciate...
- Nourishing the land and soil
- Multiple benefits of reducing barriers to gardening
- We can get all we need from the land