RBC foundation donates $100,000 to downtown Abbotsford farm to grow spinach, greens

ABBOTSFORD — A foundation associated with one of Canada’s Big Five banking institutions has generously donated a six-figure amount to help grow spinach and other leafy greens to reduce the amount of produce that Canada imports.

In a statement from Archway Community Services Wednesday (August 16), the Archway Urban Farm in downtown Abbotsford has received a $100,000 donation from RBC Foundation through RBC Tech for Nature in support of a container farm for growing spinach and other greens.

The community services organization says more than 75 per cent of Canada’s fresh vegetables are supplied from imports and in 2021, Canada was the second-largest importer of spinach in the world. This project will help develop a strong ‘green infrastructure’ in the region by shortening the food chain, and facilitating access to fresh, local food.

The Archway Urban Farm is a teaching garden that grows produce to sell and for donations to community programs. The funds from the RBC Foundation will support the installation of a container farm for growing hyper-local, pesticide-free spinach and other greens year-round in Abbotsford. The Archway Urban Farm also functions as an innovative and interactive learning space that provides workshops for the public, volunteer opportunities and work experience for students.