Youth

Our youth initiatives spring from a vision of communities where young people have meaningful opportunities for work and recreation and where people care for each other and for the earth. We endeavour to create a space for youth to discover and develop their talents, build community, and contribute to society by growing healthy food for themselves, for their families and for community food programs.

Our Youth Green Squad employs a team of students each summer to work together on a variety of local food projects in community gardens, kitchens, farmers’ market and on urban farms. The intense squad experience develops youth leadership and job skills within the environmental, food and social sectors.

Growing the Future is a registered afterschool environmental food education program for youth in grades 8 and 9. Youth engage in weekly hands-on activities and share a meal they have prepared at the conclusion of each session. Youth Mentors and Adult Volunteers work alongside Greenest City staff to provide a positive experience and share their passion and knowledge with program participants. Through learning to cook and garden together, youth deepen their connection with the food system and build a healthy community.

The Youth Mentors Program engages an extra committed group of environmental youth leaders who receive training and support to be able to mentor and share their passion and knowledge with younger Growing the Future participants.

Our Youth Community Kitchen is a twice monthly program for youth aged 16 and up to come together and cook. By creating a safe space in which young people can try new foods, learn new skills and increase their confidence in the kitchen and beyond, we encourage them to become more involved in the community.

We also engage street-involved youth from Sketch as leaders in our gardens and as arts animators who create public art with community members and other youth.

We are growing these programs… YOU CAN HELP by sponsoring a youth job or helping out with the costs in the kitchen!