Roots to Justice Youth Mentorship Program

What is this project about?

The Roots to Justice Youth Mentorship Program is a yearly program, running from July to September for youth aged 15-19. This program prioritizes youth most impacted by food insecurity including but not limited to: Disabled, racialized and newcomer youth. The program allows for youth mentees to work with the Roots to Justice Garden Coordinators to care for the Roots to Justice Learning Garden. Youth will be engaged in a garden-based learning curriculum consisting of two garden sessions a week, where they will learn and practice a variety of garden skills, such as planting, harvesting, garden planning, and more. The program also includes weekly workshops, exploring topics related to food insecurity and gardening. The Youth Mentorship Program encourages youth to spend more time outdoors, learn about growing food, and engage in community efforts to create social change.
Mentorship_Flyer_2nd_year_Printing.pdf

Why is this project important to the community?

The Roots to Justice Youth Mentorship Program provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth in the Hamilton downtown core to grow together and develop confidence in both themselves and the power of community building as their work in the garden directly helps reduce food insecurity in the area through regular produce donations to a community fridge and by providing a space for local highrise residents and other neighbours to garden and harvest. The learning garden is completely open to the public which means anyone can come and harvest fresh produce as it’s made available from June to October! While our free workshops serve as a way to build intergenerational relationships for people of all ages interested in creativity, sustainability and community.
Target Completion Date
September 16, 2026
Location
68 Victoria Ave N
Hamilton
L8L 5E3

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