Winnipeg Airports Authority marks another successful year of providing food to families in need with its vegetable garden at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) first began this initiative in 1997 in support of Harvest Manitoba. The garden is located at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and it produces a variety of vegetables every year.

This morning, WAA employees gathered together to pick and donate more than 5,000 pounds of potatoes, beets, carrots, and onions. Since the first harvest in 1997, the WAA has donated 72,270 pounds of vegetables which is enough food to give meals to 100,000 families who struggle.

"Our commitment to service doesn’t stop at the doors to the airport terminal, says Tyler MacAfee, WAA Vice President of External Affairs. "The people who receive the vegetables from our Harvest Garden are our neighbours, colleagues, and friends. We’re proud to support them and help make a difference in any way we can in the communities we live and work."\

The initiative came to fruition the same year the WAA took over operations and management of WYG, and slowly from starting off with a few rows the garden has grown to 4,000 square feet. Employees from multiple departments in the organization spend time and energy caring for the garden.

"This twenty-five-year partnership between Winnipeg Airports Authority and Harvest Manitoba speaks to the commitment of WAA and their team to providing healthy food to members of our community," said Vince Barletta, Harvest Manitoba CEO. "We are so grateful for the generous support of WAA."

With the donated produce from the airport garden, Harvest Manitoba distributes all vegetables to 325 food banks and agencies across the province.