Charitable Fund Spotlight: rare Charitable Research Reserve

One of the most cost-effective and rewarding ways to access healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables is to grow them yourself. What better way to share that abundance than by providing fresh food to those in need? Nestled within 1,500 acres of protected fields and forests at the rare Charitable Research Reserve, Springbank Farm stands as a living example of stewardship, community connection, and sustainable agriculture.

Located in Cambridge, Springbank Farm is home to three distinct gardens:

• A community garden with over 110 plots, offering space for individuals and families to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
• A demonstration garden used for education and hands-on learning.
• A food bank garden dedicated solely to growing organic produce for local food banks. Over the years, these efforts have produced thousands of kilograms of fresh, nutritious food to support those facing food insecurity in the community.

The rare Charitable Research Reserve itself is rooted in a strong history of conservation. Formerly owned by the University of Guelph, the land’s stewardship shifted in the mid-1990s when concerns arose about the potential sale of this ecologically significant area. In response, rare was founded as a community-based urban land trust, nature reserve, and environmental institute. Today, it safeguards more than 1,500 acres across eight properties throughout Waterloo region and Wellington County. Notably, rare honours the Indigenous history of the land, providing a thoughtful account on its website.

Springbank Farm is far more than a typical community garden. Each week, volunteers gather in the food bank garden to plant, tend, and harvest fresh, organic vegetables for the Cambridge Food Bank and other local agencies. Last year alone, the garden contributed over 1,400 pounds of produce, helping to strengthen food security while fostering connections across generations and cultures.

Education is another vital part of Springbank’s mission. Through hands-on field trips and workshops, children learn about food sustainability, composting, native ecosystems, and organic gardening. In addition, research projects and public hiking trails across rare’s properties invite both learning and leisure, allowing visitors to enjoy nature free of charge.

Springbank Farm beautifully embodies the values at the heart of rare: land stewardship, compassion in action, and inclusive community engagement. It’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, to grow, and to care. Kindred Credit Union is committed to addressing the issue of hunger in our communities and is pleased that the Springbank Farm was selected as a 2025 Kindred Charitable Fund recipient. They cultivate not just food, but hope, resilience, and a shared commitment to nurturing both people and the planet.