Cable Bay Farm and Sunshine Farm are partnering up with the Food Program again this year to grow food for the community, the workers and the farms.

Last year we led regular work parties up to the farms, and those will happen again this year (though not as frequently – call or email to get on the list!) But this year the farms have added a work trade. One day of labour a month gets you an irrigated bed.

I tend to spend my time in the kitchen, where creating the feeling of community is easy and obvious – nothing better than breaking bread with people to get to know your neighbours. Last year I led some of the work parties to Cable Bay, and this year I joined the garlic co-op, and I have discovered that same sense of community happens in the field too. Whether its working with a large group of people to bring in the Squash harvest or chatting together as we move down the rows picking beans, farming is a great way to get to know your fellow islanders.

So, if you’re thinking about signing up for a farm bed/labour exchange – think about it as community project. Yes, it’s also a great way to get a fenced, irrigated garden – ready to go. It’s also a great way to connect with a friend (or two), or your family. Take on a bed as a project together. (Two people can both work half a day a month at the farm as their labour exchange) Work together. Weed together. Carpool. Grow food together. Learn new skills as a family. Spending some time working with someone towards a common goal is satisfying, and enriches your own life – and you’ll be helping the community at the same time.