Garden Gate

The Gardengate Training Centre is an innovative horticulture project that aims to promote healthy eating and active living for persons with mental health issues. Our goal is “Growing Food and Growing Futures” through diverse and supportive programs for persons with mental health disabilities, while contributing to the health and wellness of members of our community. Gardengate provides rehabilitation, skills, training and vocational training for participants, while providing volunteer opportunities for members of the community. Structured and less structured programs take place on our 2.8 acre site which includes a greenhouse, vegetable garden and kitchen/classroom. Participants and volunteers increase their own food security by being able to take home organic produce in exchange for their help in the garden, while increasing the food security of the community by producing fruits and vegetables for local food charities. All produce grown on site is certified organic. Gardengate is funded by Interior Health and managed through Open Door Group in cooperation with the Kamloops Food Policy Council.

Mission: The mission of Open Door Group’s Gardengate Program is growing food and futures through diverse and supportive programs for persons with disabilities while contributing to the health and wellness of our community.

Vision: The vision of Gardengate is to promote self-confidence, self-sufficiency, community connectedness and wellness. We strive to encourage healthy eating, safe food handling and food security, as well as to provide access to nutritious organic vegetables, and expand the horticulture skills of all of our participants and community volunteers.