Free gardening event in Chilliwack will tackle food insecurity

Published 3:00 pm Friday, October 31, 2025

The organizer of a free gardening event in Chilliwack is saying the “need is strong” for kids and their families to learn how to grow their own vegetable gardens.

With thousands of people in Chilliwack using food-hamper programs, Debbie Walker is again offering a free container-gardening event to teach kids and their parents how easy it is to grow veggies at home.

“In this day and age, and while we are located in one of the most fertile sections of the province, it is unacceptable to continue to function in this manner,” she said. “Let’s get children excited about the ability to supplement food sources by growing container gardens.”

Walker, with Translucent Publicity, and Gary Moran of Fantasy Farms are the two behind the program that tackles food insecurity, which was launched in the spring.

The inaugural event in March, called Lettuce Grow Together, had 60 people register in less than 48 hours.

The next event is coming up on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Fantasy Farms where participants will be planting garlic, plus there will be a show-and-tell about seeds, and folks will see what happens when plants go to seed on their own.

“We will also be talking again about utilizing what is already around you, so no purchasing required,” Walker said. “We’ll be showing/telling them about onions, shallots etc., which will sprout automatically when not being used… and will become another vegetable for the following season.”

According to the Chilliwack Salvation Army, more than 3,800 people are being assisted through their food bank, soup kitchen and shelter every month, and 30 per cent of those are children under the age of 18 years.

The Rotary Club of Chilliwack has also jumped on board and helped purchase a hand-washing station for the program. The unit is small in stature to accommodate accessibility and children’s heights.

Rotarian Corbin Bailey said the club was proud to give the Oasis Gardening Initiative a $1,000 grant for the hand-washing station.

“Debbie and her team have a passion for helping families experiencing food insecurities and passing on their knowledge of practical gardening to children and adults in the community, which are things we always hope to support. We hope this hand washing station will help bring a great experience to all of the future garden students,” Bailey said.

Plans for next year include a monthly event from March to October which will teach kids how to start, harvest and seed for seasons to come.

The program is geared towards kids aged five to 12 and their families, and registration is required. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

It’s on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fantasy Farms (9423 Gibson Rd.). To register for this free event, email your name and names of all participants to GardeningInitiative@gmail.com.

Anyone wanting to participate by volunteering, providing product, or support financially can contact Walker at debbiewalker3456@gmail.com.