This story was provided as part of the Food Finder Strathcona campaign brought to you by Strathcona County's Food Security Action Table. 

A place for food production also grows community connection.

For Sharon Tomaszeski, the Antler Lake Community Garden has been a catalyst to increasing connection within her community. Since becoming involved with the garden in 2020, Sharon has been a crucial part of increasing the involvement of not only gardeners, but the larger community in this source of local food.

The community garden is made up of nine raised beds. Seven of these are cared for by individual gardeners. The produce from the last two raised beds is available free to the community. Originally vegetables were shared through a simple cooler by the mailbox.

This soon became popular with community members especially seniors. Living at least 20 minutes from Sherwood Park, they were grateful for the local source of produce. From growing produce, the activities at the community garden have grown to include biannual events, a berry patch, and a more permanent stand for the produce grown for the community. It’s activities like these that help for new residents to meet their neighbours and strengthen the sense of community around the hamlet of Antler Lake.