The Yara Community Gardens has proven to be very popular. So popular that they are at capacity every year.

Since inception in 2006, the Community Gardens program has grown to 125 individual garden plots across four locations in Moose Jaw, allowing those who may not have space for a garden at their residence to rent some space in which to grow the crops of their choice.

Proceeds from the Community Gardens are then donated back to both Hunger in Moose Jaw and Riverside Mission, and a recent land donation will allow them to expand the program. 

The Barr Family decided that they loved Moose Jaw so much that they wanted to share their land. They have a farm that's about 10 minutes east of Moose Jaw, and will start by handing over 1 acre for the community gardens to farm.

Sara Barr said that the land used to be used as a community garden.

"So we know that it's set up beautifully for this, and we just felt that it wasn't being utilized. So, in conversation with Jeremy, it just kind of developed this way."

Jeremy Zachariah is the head of the community gardens, and was blown away by the Barr's generosity. He said they already know where the proceeds from this new site will go.

"All of the food that is going to be grown from there will either be sold at the farmer's markets to go towards the donations there," Zachariah said, "or will just be donated directly to the different food security agencies of Hunger in Moose Jaw, Riverside Mission, and Moose Jaw and District Food Bank."

The Barrs are thrilled that they can help the community in this way, and said that they would even help out from time to time.

"It's interesting, actually, because my husband (Jake) actually works for Yara, which is about 10 minutes from our property, so when he's not working and I'm not messing around with the kids, we will definitely be in the garden."