Ecosource : Cultivating Healthy Futures Through Urban Agriculture

Cultivating Healthy Communities at Ecosource

Through the 2024 Novo Nordisk Chronic Disease Grant, the Mississauga Foundation awarded $25,000 to Ecosource in support of their impactful Healthy Roots project. This initiative empowered youth to make healthier lifestyle choices while deepening their connection to food, health, and the environment. 

The grant supported 61 educational sessions at Ecosource’s urban farm and teaching kitchen, engaging 392 youth and yielding 1,713 lbs of fresh produce for the local community. Notably, 100% of participants reported gaining knowledge about healthy eating and preparing nutritious meals with local ingredients. A further 92% developed a deeper understanding of the relationship between gardening and health, while 80% felt more confident in making informed food choices. These outcomes not only improved dietary habits but also nurtured leadership skills and enhanced mental wellness through community engagement and time spent in nature.

Ecosource was able to expand the reach and impact of the program through collaborative efforts. Support was leveraged from four additional funders, and a valuable partnership with the City of Mississauga allowed for on-site maintenance support. More than 578 volunteers contributed their time and energy, assisting with stewardship, site maintenance, and event planning—further embedding the project within the fabric of the community.

“A community food growing space is quite important as it provides a place to teach others about growing plants, for like-minded people to connect, and it supports local food banks. Growing food is great for anybody to learn, as they can use that skillset in their daily lives. I enjoyed my time at the Iceland Teaching Garden as I learnt a lot about growing, maintaining and harvesting plants/food in a garden.”

- Youth participant.

 

The Mississauga Foundation is proud to invest in community-based initiatives like Healthy Roots that support chronic disease prevention and long-term health outcomes. We commend Ecosource for their outstanding leadership and look forward to seeing this project flourish in the years to come.

Subscribe to our Publications

Sign up to receive updates from the Mississauga Foundation.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Mississauga Foundation, 16M - 1100 Central Pkwy W, Mississauga, ON, L5C 4E5, http://www.mississaugafoundation.ca. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Mississauga Foundation
1100 Central Parkway West,
Unit 16, Main Level
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4E5

Phone: 905-897-8880

Charitable BN: 892395112 RR0001

All Rights Reserved.