A new seed library encourages Calgarians to grow their own food
The Calgary Seed Library is tackling issues surrounding food security and sustainability with its weekly seed exchange.
"We're a group of like-minded people," said volunteer Julie Alati-it, "We're very invested in how food security, seed preservation, and growing our own food is important to us."
Anyone can sign up for a membership at no cost, and take home whatever seeds they like – also at no cost. The library only requests that its members harvest some seeds once their plants have matured, and to bring some of those seeds back for others to enjoy.
Alati-it said many of the seeds that have been donated so far come from plants that have already weathered the dry, Chinook-prone climate in southern Alberta. She said that means these seeds have a better chance of surviving the often tumultuous weather in this region.
The 2022 Canada's Food Price Report forecasts overall food prices to rise by five per cent to seven per cent. It also estimates the average Canadian family of four will pay an additional $966 compared to last year.
"It's quite empowering," Alati-it said of growing her own food, "As someone who has experienced intense food insecurity, this is a way I can take some of that control back."
It's also been an opportunity to educate her children.
"I'm really excited that my kids will have better choices, and a better future because they know how to grow food, and where their food comes from."
Alati-it says her kids, aged five and eight, can taste the difference between store-bought and home grown produce, "When it comes to strawberries, carrots, and tomatoes, if I have bought them from a grocery store and try to give it to them, they'll just hand it right back to me."
The Calgary Seed Library is located on the lower level of The Next Page bookstore in Inglewood. Members are welcome to stop by every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. to pick up or drop off seeds. Visit their website or Instagram page for updates.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most wanted fugitive in Canada arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The most wanted fugitive in Canada was arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Tuesday night.
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he does not regret calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko,' and now his MPs are renewing calls for the House of Commons Speaker to resign, this time over ordering the Official Opposition leader to leave the chamber.
How can I tell if I have norovirus? Expert explains symptoms
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading across Canada, with some symptoms overlapping with other viruses. CTVNews.ca spoke with a health expert to find out how you can tell you have norovirus, the most common form of stomach flu, and what to do if you have it.
Doctors dealing with at least 160 Canadians suffering eye damage possibly linked to looking at the eclipse
Nearly a month after the total solar eclipse, at least 160 cases of eye damage have been reported across the country.
Ontario's police watchdog continues probe of high-speed pursuit involving fatal crash
The investigation continues into a collision that killed two grandparents and their infant grandchild during a high-speed police chase on the wrong way of Highway 401 east of Toronto.
Stranded cruise passengers in Spain race to catch up with their ship
A month after eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded in Africa when their ship left without them because they were late getting back, a U.S. couple – ages 84 and 81 – were also left behind by the cruise line in Spain.
Blair says he couldn't sell cabinet on meeting 'magical threshold' of NATO target
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he couldn't convince the Liberal cabinet that Canada's government needed to meet NATO's spending target in its recent defence policy update.
BREAKING London Drugs stores remain closed for 4th straight day after 'cybersecurity incident'
Dozens of London Drugs stores in Western Canada remained closed for the fourth straight day following a "cybersecurity incident."
No criminal charges after 4 newborn bodies found in Boston freezer
A prosecutor in Massachusetts won't seek criminal charges against anyone, two years after four newborns were found in a freezer in a South Boston apartment.