City grows fresh produce for Loving Spoonful at Rodden Park greenhouse

Earlier this winter the City of Kingston announced the annual greenhouse experience would not be taking place as usual, due to the pandemic. The City says horticultural staff have used this time to explore unique ways the greenhouse could benefit the community.

As part of a new initiative this year, the City is growing fresh greens in addition to its annual assortment of spring flowers at the Rodden Park greenhouse, according to a release from the City, dated Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2021.

Mixed greens were seeded in late January, and are now about to be harvested. According to the release, the greens will be donated to the Loving Spoonful, a charity focused on providing fresh, local food to residents in need.

“We know that demand is high for fresh produce in late winter and early spring and wanted to explore ways in which the City could support this locally,” says Troy Stubinski, Operations Manager, Public Works. “Working with horticultural staff, we were able to identify an opportunity to grow fresh greens which will be donated to the Loving Spoonful.”

Later this year, staff will evaluate the initiative to determine if it can be implemented moving forward. According to the City, growing the mixed greens does not take away from the growing of annuals for planting out around the city.

Typically, the City’s greenhouse is open throughout February and March for weekly visits. In February the City announced that a virtual greenhouse experience was in the works. The City confirmed with Kingstonist that information on this virtual experience will be available later this spring.

This local food security initiative supports Council’s priority to foster healthy citizens and vibrant spaces.