Your local library wants to know what you think is important in order to make sure everyone has food.
Eastern Counties Regional Library (ECRL) was one of ten organizations around the province who received a provincial grant of nearly $60,000 in April, to support food security.
Community Engagement Manager, Michelle Greencorn tells our newsroom, as a library they decided start off small with what to do with the money.
The first step was to get the resources they need, right into community members’ hands.
That’s when the idea of ‘seed libraries’ was born.
“…the idea, you know…teach a man to fish. So, it’s the idea of, you know, if we can give folks the resources they need to succeed, as well as the skills to do so, then we can support food security in our communities, right at the individual level.”
Greencorn adds that because they are in a more rural area with more access to land, they thought it was a really great ‘kickoff’ activity’ to help get community members involved in the initiative.
Great response
The response from community members on the seed libraries so far has been really positive.
It started in June and so far, Greecorn says, some branches have already depleted their supply of herbs and vegetables.
“I think they have like one package of oregano left. So, I suspect they were all quite popular. You know, string beans and peas are always very popular because they are quite easy to grow. So those definitely disappeared quickly.”
Other seed packages available include things like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, basil and thyme.
Survey
There’s still more money to be spent and that is where ECRL is looking for your help.
Greencorn says they want to hear from you directly to get a sense of what is important to making sure everyone has access to food.
What activities would be most valuable- whether it’s continuing the seed libraries, workshops or a speaker series.
They have developed a survey, with five short questions.
Anyone who completes the survey, will be eligible for a draw where you could win one of 10, $100 grocery store gift cards.
She says they are really excited to know on how best to proceed.
