Dayna Prest, representing Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, Kitchener Centre MPP Laura Mae Lindo, Ontario Trillium Foundation Representative Linda Zensner and Natasha Salonen, representative for Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris Jr. were on hand to celebrate Nourishing Neighbourhoods on Sept. 24.
Community members were asked what they need. Their response? food and connection.
Thanks to $750,000 in funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation over the last three years, the Nourishing Neighbourhoods program has worked to fill this community need for connection, using food as a tool.
On Sept. 24, we took the time to celebrate Nourishing Neighbourhoods, and its impact throughout Waterloo Region, by inviting local dignitaries to see first-hand the impact of their support.
The event included highlights from three main programs, including “Flower Rangers,” a youth-focused community garden club, virtual cooking classes, and neighbourhood food programs.
Through Nourishing Neighbourhoods, food has been used in ways that engage people like never before. In the garden, children were able to learn about the process of growing plants and then got to see the fruits of their labour and bring home fresh produce. Parents even had fun growing mushrooms and learning about that process.
Before the pandemic, in-person cooking classes were designed in such a way that each participant could only focus on one aspect of the meal. With virtual classes, children had the opportunity to cook an entire meal with their parents. These virtual classes brought families together in the kitchen where everyone could develop new skills while spending quality time together.
These programs will have a lasting effect on children and their families.
Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate Nourishing Neighbourhoods with us, and to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support!
