Those who grew up in Fort William or Port Arthur can recall a time when many of their childhood activities were produce-related. Sometimes it was fun and other times it was tedious work.
When we were kids, backyard gardens were everywhere and our mission, as kids, was to periodically raid the fruits and veggies as they ripened.
It required stealth and daring. The gardeners were constantly on the lookout for three things – frost, cutworms and garden-raiding neighbourhood kids.
The rewards made it well worth the risk. I would often walk away with a sweet, crunchy carrot or a pocketful of bright, red crabapples. That was the fun part.
At other times I could be seen walking down Francis Street heading home from my Uncle Mike’s garden with a bag full of freshly picked beans in each hand.
At home I had to snip the ends off the beans and cut them into one inch lengths for canning or freezing. That was the tedious part.
Kids these days are missing out. They have never experienced the thrill of a daring daylight carrot raid or the agony of hard labour, slicing beans into bite-sized pieces.
However, there is increasing interest in local food security and if things proceed as planned local gardeners may once again be shooing marauding vegetable thieves from their well-tended rows.
There is a long tradition of backyard gardening in this city dating back generations.
Many local families have European roots and growing their own food was as natural as raising their own chickens.
This culture and tradition of self-reliance (and childhood mischief) is reflected in the Thunder Bay Food Charter.
The Food Charter was signed by Mayor Lynn Peterson in 2008 in support of a sustainable local food system.
It was in the news again recently as local foodies met for a day-long Food Summit.
The Charter recognizes the fact that safe, healthy food, just like clean air and fresh water, is a basic human right.
It promotes local food security as a vehicle for economic development, community health, environmental concerns and cultural awareness.
Local garden markets are increasing in popularity and this is sometimes used as evidence of a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Today’s gourmet consumers demand high nutrition and same-day freshness.
The shoppers who buy local produce from area growers are walking away with tasty, nutritious food for their families.
It is more expensive to grow than mass-produced grocery store food but to health-conscious consumers it’s well worth the extra money.
Unfortunately, local produce is priced out of the market for some thrifty local shoppers. Many can’t afford to blow their food budget at a fancy market with artisans and pricey organic vegetables.
However, enlightened (and price-conscious) consumers are realizing the nutritional and economic benefits of growing their own food.
Some use containers on the balcony, others use community gardens and homeowners often have little hobby farms right in their own back yard.
These efforts are actively supported by the city and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. There are plenty of resources available for all prospective gardeners.
Thunder Bay should be a natural for home-grown gardening. Many local families have a culture and tradition of growing enough food for their own tables with plenty to share among friends and neighbours.
We also have an aging population. As they get older there are three activities that baby boomers love – walking, bird-watching and gardening.
Now that they are approaching retirement those garden raiders I grew up with can raid their own vegetables in their own backyard gardens.
It’s even more thrilling when you grow them yourself.
