In an innovative effort to combat food insecurity, an old church in the Beauce region of Quebec is being transformed into a greenhouse and cold room. The deconsecrated church, which was built in 1931, will now serve as a space to grow and store fresh produce year-round, with the harvest going directly to a local food bank. The project, spearheaded by the non-profit organization Cultiver pour partager, aims to alleviate some of the region’s food insecurity issues by providing affordable and nutritious food options. With renovations set to begin in November, this inspiring initiative is a creative solution to address a pressing social issue.
Old Quebec Church Transformed into Greenhouse
Overview
In an effort to combat food insecurity in the Beauce region of Quebec, an old deconsecrated church is undergoing a transformation that will turn it into a greenhouse and cold room. The project, led by the non-profit organization Cultiver pour partager, aims to grow and store fresh produce year-round, with the harvest going to a local food bank. The conversion of the church will not only increase the availability of fresh produce but also contribute to the reduction of food waste in the region.
Purpose of Transformation
The idea to transform the church into a greenhouse stems from the need to address food insecurity in the Beauce region. With rising food prices and decreasing affordability of fruits and vegetables, the organization Cultiver pour partager saw an opportunity to make a positive impact. By focusing on growing fresh produce, they aim to support the local food bank and provide healthier options for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Impact on Food Insecurity
The transformation of the old Quebec church into a greenhouse will have a significant impact on food insecurity in the Beauce region. By increasing the availability of fresh produce, the project aims to ensure that individuals and families have access to nutritious food. This will not only contribute to better health outcomes but also improve the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, the project will help reduce food waste by utilizing vegetables that would otherwise go to waste.
Project Funding
The transformation project is estimated to cost $1.2 million and is being partially funded by the provincial government. Commercial and private investors are also involved in supporting the project. With their financial contributions, the project is able to move forward and make a positive impact on food insecurity in the Beauce region.
Renovation Plans
The renovation of the old Quebec church is scheduled to start in November. One of the key aspects of the renovation is the reinforcement of the concrete floor to accommodate forklifts and support the weight of the produce. The renovation plans have been meticulously designed to ensure that the space is suitable for growing and storing fresh produce year-round.
Cold Room and Storage Capacity
As part of the renovation plans, a cold room will be constructed in one side of the church’s nave. This cold room will be rented out to Moisson Beauce, the local food bank, and will have the capacity to store up to 75,000 kilograms of fresh produce. This additional storage space will allow Moisson Beauce to increase its distribution of fresh produce throughout the year, addressing the seasonal limitations that often lead to a scarcity of vegetables during certain months.
Additional Facilities
Apart from the cold room, the old Quebec church will also be transformed into a greenhouse. The altar area of the church will be specifically converted into a greenhouse where vegetables can be grown. Additionally, a second, larger greenhouse will be built outside, further expanding the organization’s capacity to grow fresh produce. To facilitate the transportation of produce, a loading bay will also be constructed as part of the renovation plans.
Mission of Cultiver pour partager
Cultiver pour partager is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that focuses on growing and collecting vegetables to address food insecurity in the Beauce region. Their mission is to ensure that individuals and families in the community have access to fresh, nutritious food. Through their efforts, they aim to make a positive impact on food insecurity and contribute to the well-being of the community.
Collaboration with Moisson Beauce
Moisson Beauce, the local food bank, plays a crucial role in the transformation project. The cold room that will be constructed in the old Quebec church will be rented to Moisson Beauce, allowing them to double their storage space for fresh produce. This collaboration will enable Moisson Beauce to distribute more fresh produce year-round, ensuring that individuals facing food insecurity have access to nutritious options. It will also help reduce food waste by utilizing a larger quantity of vegetables that would otherwise go to waste.
Benefits of the Project
The transformation of the old Quebec church into a greenhouse has several significant benefits. Firstly, it will alleviate food insecurity in the Beauce region by increasing the availability of fresh produce. This will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families in the community. Additionally, the project will contribute to the reduction of food waste by utilizing vegetables that would have otherwise gone unused. The project also supports the community by providing a sustainable solution to address food insecurity and involving volunteers in giving back. The involvement of the Champagne family, who started Cultiver pour partager, demonstrates the importance of family engagement and their commitment to supporting the community.
