By Richard MartinsThe Black Creek Community Farm opened its gates to the community for a fun filled day for the whole family.The purpose of the family farm day, held May 24 was to educate the community on the value of growing healthy, sustainable food.Lead by Everdale a farm-based charity, the farm was open to all local Jane-Finch residents to learn about the farm.“The farm is here to offer organic produce as a healthier alternative to fast foods, and to educate locals on the farming process,” said Leticia Boahen, the farm's community coordinator.Education was an important theme as enthusiastic staff members Aabir Doy and Alex Redfield helped participants to interact with the land responsibly by tending to the crops.Children and adults were encouraged to plant seeds, plough the soil and to ask any questions they may have had about the gardening process.Teaching residents gardening skills was an important task to fulfil by staff, a mission which Sheri Alcordo, a teacher Driftwood public school said she agreed with.“The farm imparts children with knowledge on health, stewardship skills, forming relationships and being inclusive," Alcordo said.Afterwards, local participants were provided with a tour of the farm.The farm's mission is to grow healthy, affordable produce right in the neighbourhood. The Black Creek Community Farm grows everything from tomatoes, long beans, chick peas and lentils, to South Asian and Caribbean crops like okra, callaloo and bok choy. Local residents will also get a 30 per cent discount on all vegetables grown at the farm.Locals who visited the farm were exuberant to participate in the gardening process and found the farm to be a positive experience. Sharon Braganza, a local participant, found the farm to be a joyous event.She said, “Black Creek Farm will benefit the children primarily, due to education on eating healthy, teaching kids there is more than technology and how to be hands on with nature,” said Sharon Braganza, a Jane-Finch resident.Anan Lololi the executive director of Afri-Can FoodBasket, one of the events' sponsors said the Black Creek Community Farm provides a great service to the community.“Urban farms are a benefit to the community as a large quantity of produce are available in their local area, which the whole city can be proud of," Lololi said.Staff of the farm, located at 4929 Jane St., encourage community members to visit from Monday to Saturday and to attend the Harvest Festival on June 26.For more information visit the farm's website at www.everdale.org/blackcreek, or call 416-393-6381.