New Meaford Community Garden Coordinator: Savannah Stephen

My name is Savannah, and I’m very excited to step into the role of coordinator for the Meaford Community Garden. I look forward to getting to know you all!

I’ve been working in gardening and landscaping for the past eight years—planting, weeding, designing, and everything in between. It’s work I truly love. Most recently, I had the opportunity to work with a First Nations community in British Columbia, collaborating with community members to design, build, and plant a new garden. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, where strong relationships were built with youth, Elders, and community members through workshops, events, and informal visits.

I’m now excited to connect and work alongside the wonderful Meaford community—continuing to grow food together and support a thriving, resilient local food system here on the shores of Georgian Bay.

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New Meaford Community Garden Coordinator: Sarah Green

Hey, I’m Sarah Green. I recently graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Environment, Sustainability and Society. Before joining the community garden, I also completed a certification in regenerative agriculture, which strengthened my interest in sustainable growing practices and environmental stewardship. I’m passionate about building healthier, more connected, and resilient communities through local food systems and sustainable initiatives.

Over the past two summers, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the community garden, and I’m now proud to serve as a coordinator. Through this work, I’ve connected with people through local food initiatives, supported community engagement, and promoted sustainable growing practices in meaningful, hands-on ways. I love being part of a space where people can learn, connect, and grow together, and I’m excited to continue helping the garden thrive while welcoming others into the community. 

Outside of work, I spend as much time outdoors as possible camping, hiking, and exploring. My connection to the Earth has always been an important part of my life and continues to inspire the work I do.

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We’re excited to share this mini documentary about the Sustainability Project, which includes the Meaford Community Garden:

You are invited to our complimentary Community Garden workshops

The Meaford Community Gardens group has been active in Meaford since 2011. During this time, they have provided multiple locations (old GBCS, Victoria Village, and the snack garden beside the new Rotary Thrift Shop) throughout the town to grow fresh, sustainable, and organic produce for anyone in the community. Their gardens host private and communal plots giving the opportunity for a hands-on, educational experience for those new to gardening or an accessible and social location for those with experience.

This dedicated group of volunteers not only builds and maintains the gardens, but they also grow, harvest, and distribute fresh produce to their community through the Meaford Food Bank and Outreach and the Community Fridge. The Meaford Community Gardens group has a strong focus on educating youth. One of their main programs is to hire a summer student who gets a variety of work experiences while learning regenerative gardening and working with multi-generational members of the community. 

Through the spring and summer of 2024, they also are running community-wide gardening workshops at the Meaford Library. Follow their Facebook to keep up to date!