Growing Cherry Tomatoes for the Not Just A Food Program:

A New Chapter in Fresh, Healthy Food Access

We’re excited to announce the start of a new initiative within the Not Just A Food Program here in Oshawa: a community-driven effort to grow fresh cherry tomatoes to help those in need. This marks an important step in expanding our mission to provide healthy, locally grown food to our community, and we are thrilled to have others joining us in this project.

Our Growing Process: From Seed to Harvest

As of March 13, 2025, we have planted the first four containers of cherry tomatoes. The first two images show the containers that will hold the nutrient solution once the seedlings have reached a healthy size. These containers are equipped with a wire frame to support the plants as they grow upward, making it easier to pick the tomatoes and maximizing space usage. This vertical growing method ensures the plants are well-supported and take up less horizontal space, making it ideal for smaller areas.

In the next image, you can see many more containers filled with clay pebbles, which we use as a growing medium. This method allows us to cultivate various types of plants simultaneously. You’ll spot not only the top two rows of cherry tomatoes but also Dandelion and Red Rubin Basil growing alongside them. Our unique seed-starting approach allows us to grow a variety of plants in the same space, providing a diverse and nutritious harvest.

The final image shows a single container with a tomato seed just beginning to germinate, marking the beginning of a new cycle of fresh tomatoes. We’ll be following along each step of the process, documenting the growth of these plants as they continue to develop and eventually bear fruit for the Not Just A Food Program.

Community Involvement: Growing Together for Healthier Living

As part of this initiative, we provide all the supplies and nutrient solution needed for participants to grow their own plants. In exchange, we ask that two of the harvested plants be donated to the Not Just A Food Program, while the other two can be kept by the participants to support their own health and nutrition.

For those who have additional space and are interested in growing more, we encourage you to do so! Growing tomatoes requires some management, such as checking the solution levels regularly and adding more solution when needed. To make this easier, we provide jugs filled with the necessary nutrient solution that participants can take home for refills.

This program is perfect for individuals with a south-facing window or a patio, especially as the weather gets warmer. Additionally, we are working on providing grow lights to ensure year-round growing for those who may not have access to outdoor space or consistent natural light. We have also set up a grow tent as an example of how indoor growing can be achieved year-round.

Expanding the Program: Dome Tunnel for Year-Round Growing

One of the most exciting developments we’re working toward is the creation of a Dome Tunnel, which will provide year-round growing space for more plants. This tunnel will not only expand the growing area for the program but also offer an opportunity for those without access to a garden to participate. Many people in rooming homes, renting rooms, or staying in shelters often lack the space to grow food, and this Dome Tunnel will help ensure that everyone has the chance to be part of this effort.

A Vision of Love and Compassion for All

We’ve been working toward these goals for years, and we are excited to see them beginning to take shape. Our mission remains focused on providing fresh, healthy food for those who need it most. With this new initiative, we are also fostering a sense of community, where individuals can come together to grow their own food while contributing to a greater cause.

Everything we do is driven by our core belief: “LIFE – Love Is For Everyone.” We are committed to spreading love, compassion, and support throughout the community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to fresh food and the opportunity to improve their health and well-being.

As we move forward, we invite you to join us in this effort. Together, we can create a healthier, more compassionate community for all. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to grow and expand, turning our vision into reality, one cherry tomato at a time.