Planting project enters 4th season of donating fresh veggies to Edmonton Food Bank

Four years ago, David Benjestorf had never planted a garden. Now, he’s preparing for the fourth season of the Pandemic Planting Project.

“It truly was exciting and terrifying all at the same time because I didn’t know how to grow anything,” he said

The Pandemic Planting Project “sprouted” in 2020 when the pandemic hit and he began thinking about food insecurity. He did it as a way to give to Edmonton’s Food Bank.

“The demand for food has skyrocketed, partially because of the economy and rising costs, partially because of newcomers, but what we know is that people are struggling, so they need the food bank now more than ever,” Benjestorf said.

“Luck was on our side, and we had a lot of family and volunteers who worked hard, and with that we were able to do something great.

In the first year I think we were able to donate 95,000 pounds to people in need, so it really was a fantastic success. Beginner’s luck I suppose.”

Since then, more than 200,000 pounds of fresh vegetables have been planted, harvested, and donated to Edmonton’s Food Bank. He says it couldn’t have been done without the help of volunteers.

“It gives me joy and pleasure to see how it grows and how the whole community comes together,” said Lena Komovalova, a Ukrainian newcomer and volunteer.

“It makes me think differently about things like sharing and caring and giving away. It’s not about contributing into seeding, and helping around the garden, it’s about understanding that this will go to someone who is in need, and will really appreciate what we are doing here,” said Komovalova.

Benjestorf says many volunteers are Ukrainian newcomers, who are users of the food bank, and want to give back. Volunteers can also take home some vegetables of their own.

“In addition to what we donate to others in need, folks who come out here and volunteer their time get to keep whatever they want for their family,” he said. “So a big part of that is Ukrainian newcomers who are in the country, so a lot of them are coming out and spending their time here, so they get to take what they want as well.”

The Pandemic Planting Project has blossomed into a great learning experience – not just for Benjestorf, but for school groups and families.

“They get to see where food comes from, so it’s not just a store shelf, there is a lot of time and effort that goes into bringing in that product,” he said. “We’ve now been welcoming school groups and others out here, and they’ve been giving their time and learning about food production. As we get into uncertain times, it’s great to have a skillset where you know how to grow your own food.”

Benjestorf says more volunteers are always needed to help with the project all summer long.

“We can’t do it without the help of our volunteers, and so we are always looking for more.”