By Ken Hirter
Autumn is the beautiful colours of the leaves, the wonderful scent of autumn in the air. For many it is also back to school, Harvest Season, Farmers Markets and the delightful Fall Fairs. So put on your sweater, grab a hot chocolate and away you go to discover Autumn in the North End.
Autumn is one of the four temperate seasons on Earth. Outside of the tropics, Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter, when the days become shorter and the temperature cools down. Fall begins this year on Monday, September 22, known as Autumnal Equinox.
Did you know that here in the heart of the North End of Hamilton at Compass there is a little Urban Farm? It’s where l met up with Leah Janzen. From St. Catharines, known as the Garden City, Leah grew up with vegetable and flower gardens at home and surrounded by family farms and beautiful wineries in the Niagara Peninsula. Leah is a lover of the great outdoors, camping and gardening and is Community Development Worker and Food Security Specialist at Compass Community Health.
I asked Leah’s about her role: ” As the Food Security Specialist at Compass Community Health, l work to strengthen community access to healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food. I oversee our on-site community garden along with three additional community gardens, ensuring they are inclusive spaces for learning, connection and fresh food production. I facilitate gardening groups and run our Seniors Kitchen program, creating opportunities for skill-building, social connection and food literacy. I also co-facilitate our Breakfast Program, which provides nutritious meals to both Bennetto and St. Lawrence elementary schools. Beyond direct programming, l manage the FVRx program, write grants, and analyze food systems to guide sustainable growth. My role also includes advocating for stronger food policies that address root causes of food insecurity. This combination of hands-on programming, system work and advocacy allows me to bridge immediate community needs with long-term solution’s.”
The gardens at Compass also provide food for the Grub Club and the Seniors Kitchen and other groups as well at the Centre.
Anyone else notice the wonderful changes to the gardens since the spring? Leah would like to thank the following. Garrett and his group/team with WATER FARMERS which helped plan and construct the beautiful gardens and grounds. Also, thanks to the volunteers with the Grub Club and Grow Well programs who helped with the gardens and harvest this year.
Did you know that this 1 Green Acre with the Greenhouse yielded over 350 pounds of vegetables and produce? Given the late start to the season that’s wonderful. Next year the goal is to harvest over 500+ pounds slated for next year’s harvest.
Top 5 Harvested Foods
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini
• Peppers
• Beets
• Herbs + plus so much more……
If you would like to also make a donation of food to their community fridge, please feel free to do so. The fridge is open for drop off during regular business hours.
Changes to the COMPASS BREAKFAST CLUB. We are no longer hosting at the Compass main site. Starting on September, 22. we are serving at Bennetto and St. Lawrence schools on Tuesday through to Friday, before the start of school instead. Please contact your school to register.
GROW WELL for those who love gardening, coffee and mindfulness meditation.
Starting in October to November every Tuesday from 2.00 to 3.30 this group gets together. Please contact Leah Janzen at ljanzen@compassch.org or by phone at 905-523-6611 extension 3006 to register.
I would like to thank Leah for taking the time out to talk about this wonderful project, the gardens and much more here at Compass, all that is missing are the chickens, goats and rabbits and other farm critters!
