Glace Bay Food Bank sharing its plants

GLACE BAY — If you don't have a green thumb, no worries. The Glace Bay Food Bank does.

Kimberly McPherson, garden co-ordinator at the food bank, said they have about 3,000 flower and vegetable transplants they've been giving away to local residents since last week to promote healthy eating and gardening.

“I've put it out the public that even if you've already been here once and have room or know someone who would like some, to please come by,” she said. “I've got my home full and the food bank inside and out and everywhere.”

McPherson said this is the seventh year the food bank has been giving away plants.

This year they had 25 different varieties among the 700 tomato plants as well as 500 peppers to give away. They also have flowers — both perennials and annuals — which help bring the much-needed bees to gardens.

Elworthy's Nature in Bloom Greenhouses in Sydney donated more than $1,500 in transplants, including tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.

At first McPherson said they shared transplants with clients for about a week to get them gardening. Then the community was invited to participate along with the various groups with whom they have partnered including the Whitney Pier youth club, seniors homes, Cape Breton Miners' Museum in Glace Bay and Hope House in

Point Edward.

“We even have daycares coming, some go all the way up to Sydney Mines,” she said.

Food bank co-ordinator Michelle Kalbhenn said they've had all kinds of people drop by for plants since last week and people were still coming Monday.

There were still plenty left Monday and they will continue to hand out plants today from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., except during lunch from 12-1 p.m.

“We're giving away seeds too, not just the plants,” she said.

Peter Campbell of Glace Bay was one resident happily picking up a few plants Monday. Campbell said he thinks it's a great idea and feels more people should take advantage of the chance to get gardening.

“Gardening — getting hands in the dirt, it's a great stress buster,” he added.

SHARON MONTGOMERY-DUPE • CAPE BRETON POST Kimberly McPherson, right, garden co-ordinator at the Glace Bay Food Bank, shows vegetable plants to Peter Campbell of Glace Bay, who dropped by Monday to pick up a few of the 3,000 plants being given away to the public this year.