EQUALITY
BOOSTING FOOD SECURITY WITH YOUTH-FOCUSED URBAN AGRICULTURE
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA
When you travel, watch for things to buy that support different communities. For example, you can find a salad dressing at a farmers’ market in Halifax, Nova Scotia, that financially supports scholarships, sustainable urban agriculture and green energy education for young people in lower-income areas.
What's
changing
The agri-food sector is estimated to contribute up to 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A 5-year survey in Madrid found that urban gardening could reduce a city resident’s carbon footprint by more than 12% per year. Growing food locally lowers transportation emissions, encourages consuming less meat, raises awareness about food sources and brings communities together.
What's already
possible
In Halifax, Hope Blooms has expanded into four social enterprises and is working to inspire the youngest generations to dig into urban agriculture. Its projects help with food security, education and social inclusion. It aims to disrupt the cycle of poverty in underserved areas of the city.
Seizing
the opportunity
Hope Blooms’ “Youth Organic Urban Agriculture Program” is the cornerstone of the organization and has transformed an abandoned lot into a thriving garden plot. In this program, students as young as 5 learn to grow food year-round in an off-grid greenhouse. Outdoor garden space covers 4,000 square feet (370 square meters) divided into 60 garden plots. Mentors teach students about garden design, vermiculture and plant nutrition. For students aged 12 to 18, a culinary arts program builds on the agricultural foundation. A clean energy program is developing the next generation of environmental stewards. Students gain experience selling products online, at farmers' markets and at their store on Brunswick Street. Proceeds fund scholarships and other initiatives. Hope Blooms currently sells salad dressings that were featured on “Dragons’ Den” (Canadian television program where entrepreneurs try to win investors), tea made in partnership with female farmers in Senegal and hot cocoa packages to fund a basketball court and seating area.
Standout
tactic
While the organization focuses on young people, it also has intergenerational benefits. Each week, Hope Blooms serves the elderly community lunches featuring ingredients from its gardens.
How
it helps
More than 150 young Haligonians participate in Hope Blooms. In 15 years, the students have donated over 60,000 pounds (27,000 kilograms) of organic local produce to community members struggling with food insecurity. A commercial kitchen is available free of charge for community members, some of whom use it to launch food businesses of their own. All program alumni have either moved directly into the workforce or have chosen to pursue additional education. Revenue from salad dressing sales has funded more than 325,000 Canadian dollars in scholarships.
Diving
deeper
Given the scarcity of open space in many cities, how can urban gardening initiatives be made as efficient as possible? What are the practical challenges of expanding these programs to include more residents?
Increasing
impact
An organization like Hope Blooms could potentially increase its positive environmental and social impacts by advocating for policies and zoning changes that would better support urban agriculture.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
