Rainbow Garden Community Garden and Food Literacy Society

We aim to make connecting with the earth and food accessible to all families in our community.

About

The Rainbow Garden was started in 2023 by a food literacy educator and mom of a transgender youth as a way of connecting transgender and gender-diverse kids back to food, and back to the Earth. Since then, the Garden is now an official society, and has expanded to provide gardening opportunity, food access, and food literacy education to anyone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Calgary.

We welcome anyone who is willing to abide by our community code of conduct, who has an interest in gardening, and who wishes to connect with others about food, plants, and soil in a safe, inclusive, sober environment.

The garden club meets once a week in an urban space that is accessible by transit, with other opportunities throughout the growing season to water and tend to the plants. Educational programming is offered as well, including cooking classes and other food-related community events.

Safety of our members and the community is one of our six values. Due to this, we will provide more information on location and meet ups once you have emailed us with your interest.

If you are interested in joining us at the garden, please click “Join the Community” and send a brief email about yourself and why you would like to participate. Thank you and see you in the garden!

Meet the Team

  • Barb Sheldon, MA

    FOUNDER, CHAIR

    Barb is a culinary, food literacy instructor, food access researcher and champion, and Executive Director of RGS. She spends her time tending to the people and plants in her community.

  • Sheri Young, MSc

    SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR, VICE CHAIR

    Sheri is a climate change specialist that works with municipalities to create meaningful environmental change in their communities. She is the director of the Queer Conversation Club for Newcomers in Calgary, and serves on RGS Board of Directors.

  • Allehea Bowen, BEd

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

    As Program Director, Allehea brings her extensive knowledge of farming and plant health to our educational programming roster. She is a special-needs teacher and holds a specialization in outdoor and environmental education for children.

  • Colin Martin, Ph.D

    TREASURER

    Colin serves on RGS Board of Directors as treasurer, and advises on Board Governance. Colin is a University Instructor in Communications and English, an avid cyclist and dog lover, and the President of the Writers Guild of Alberta.