Planting seeds, harvesting community spirit

From arugula to zucchini, the annual Vegetable Contest brought out an impressive variety of edibles. The contest, part of the Harvest Festival hosted by Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House last week, invited home gardeners from the Hastings-Sunrise community to show off their vegetables for a chance to win prizes. United Way British Columbia funds both the Neighbourhood House and the Harvest Festival. “Parents, children and seniors from all over the neighbourhood come together for this contest,” says Eva Aboud, Food Security and Community Outreach Coordinator at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House. “It gives them the opportunity to share all the wonderful things they’ve grown in their own backyards with their neighbours.” The event started in 2007 with just five entries. This year, 63 entries—submitted by toddlers all the way up to seniors—vied for top prize. First place was awarded to the proud mom-and-son that grew a nearly four-foot long squash. United Way funds 25 food initiatives across the Lower Mainland.