Growing food. Growing communities. Growing community through growing food in Vancouver, BC
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12/06/2024
Did you know that accurate soil data and information can enable sustainable soil management and support soils in sequestering up to 2 gigatons of CO2 per year? That’s a powerful way to combat climate change while nurturing the earth beneath our feet!
At Fresh Roots, we see soil as more than dirt—it's a living ecosystem that grows food, supports biodiversity, and stores carbon.
This World Soil Day, let’s dig into the importance of soil and commit to protecting it for future generations.
Discover Vancouver Soil Map here https://buff.ly/41kVP8r The interactive soil map of Vancouver can help you learn about our city’s unique soils.
12/05/2024
Today, we celebrate the incredible individuals who roll up their sleeves and make a difference in their communities. At Fresh Roots, our volunteers definitely bring their time and energy on the farms—planting seeds, harvesting crops, clearing weeds, and nurturing the soil that feeds us all.
Thank you to all of amazing volunteers for being part of our Fresh Roots community! 💚
12/03/2024
🌱 It’s Thyme to Make an Impact this Giving Tuesday! 🌱
At Fresh Roots, we believe in the power of giving—helping youth grow into leaders, sharing fresh food with those in need, and creating connections to the land.
This , your gift can :
- 10 people giving 10$ helps purchase all the kale seeds needed for the next growing season.
- $50 provides two weekly food boxes of fresh, locally grown produce for a family in need.
- $350 gives one child the chance to attend a week of Fresh Roots camp, where they’ll grow confidence, skills, and a deeper connection to their food and community.
Every dollar makes a difference! Whether it’s $10, $25, or $100, your support helps us grow food, empower youth, and strengthen our community.
👉 Donate Now - https://buff.ly/3ZkE1rr
Thank you for planting seeds of generosity today! Together, we’re cultivating a brighter future.
11/30/2024
🌟 The countdown is ON! 🌟
Just 2 days until Giving Tuesday—a global day to give back and grow something meaningful. This year, we’re inviting you to help youth, food, and community flourish through Fresh Roots.
Here’s how your gift can make an impact:
👉 10 people giving $10 supports buying all the kale seeds we’ll need for the season.
👉 $50 provides two weekly food boxes full of fresh, locally grown produce for a family in our neighborhood.
👉 $350 allows one child from our community to attend a week of Fresh Roots camp, where hands-on learning and outdoor fun inspire the next generation of food citizens.
Every dollar you give brings us closer to a brighter, more connected future. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a celebration of growth and generosity! 💚
Thanks to your incredible support, this year has been one of growth, connection, and impact at Fresh Roots. Here’s what YOU made possible:
✨ Over 7,320 pounds of fresh, nutritious produce grown and shared with schools, markets, and food security organizations.
✨ 16,000+ learning hours of hands-on education in outdoor classrooms, inspiring the next generation of food citizens.
✨ Youth in the SOYL program gained leadership skills, built friendships, and deepened their connection to the land. As Bella shared:
"Because of the SOYL program, I took more independence in my life, stood my ground, spoke up about my opinions, and tried new things."
Will you join us? Your gift will help more youth like Bella connect to the land and lead the way to a more resilient future.
💚 Donate Now – It’s Thyme! https://buff.ly/4igS5ea
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a brighter tomorrow! 🌟
11/19/2024
🌟 This , YOU can make a difference! 🌟
There are just 8 DAYS left to nominate Fresh Roots and help us grow food, empower youth, and strengthen our community!
🌱❤️ Nominate us on FB and IG posts. Together, we could win one of ten $10,000 donations to nourish more lives and steward our schoolyard farms.
4 EASY STEPS
1) Go to Western Financial Group’s page:
Instagram: https://buff.ly/3YYbAz3
Facebook: https://buff.ly/48WAVOy
2) Share why Fresh Roots inspires you in the comments of their latest post.
3) Tag Fresh Roots to make your nomination count.
4) Use and to amplify your nomination and inspire others to support!
💬 Tell our story. Tag us. Spread the word.
11/08/2024
Only one week left to apply to be a part of Metro Vancouver’s Youth and Education Advisory Panel! If you’re between the ages of 13 – 25 and want to help shape the region, make your voice heard. The panel provides valuable feedback, input, and advice to Metro Vancouver staff to support engagement and education of youth in our region.
For those who are hesitant, as one of the founding members Sam says “Don't be! Everyone has something unique to bring to the table; every perspective is valuable in its own way. The YEAP network is incredibly supportive as well.”
The panel consists of 18 volunteer members, including up to six representatives from three groups:
Panel meetings are held four times per year outside of school hours. The panel receives and reviews information, engage in discussion, and provide comments for consideration on regional issues like managing wastewater, reducing waste in the region, Climate 2050 initiatives, and K-12 and youth programs and resources.
Applications to the Youth and Education Advisory Panel will be accepted until Friday, November 15, 2024. Apply today: https://buff.ly/3AprMRY
10/16/2024
This World Food Day, we are reminded that food is not just a commodity—it is a fundamental human right. The right to food, enshrined in international human rights law, ensures that every person has access to the diverse, nutritious, and safe food needed for a healthy life. Yet, hunger and malnutrition continue to affect millions worldwide.
Even though farmers produce enough food to feed the world, inequalities within and between countries prevent equitable access. Approximately 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, while unhealthy diets have become the leading cause of malnutrition in all its forms—whether it's undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, or obesity. The consequences of this are felt across socio-economic classes and are often worsened by crises such as extreme weather events, economic disruptions, and conflict.
At Fresh Roots, we believe that transforming agri-food systems is essential to addressing both hunger and climate change. Our vision of resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems comes to life through our schoolyard farms and place-based programs. By growing and sharing food in community, we cultivate spaces where young people develop leadership skills, learn to care for the land, and work towards a food system that nourishes everyone.
This World Food Day, we call for systems that make diverse, nutritious, and affordable food accessible to all.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
10/15/2024
🌿 Team Build and Volunteering with Fresh Roots - Coast Capital Savings 🌿
We had an amazing day with the Coast Capital Savings team! After some warm-up intros in the garden, everyone jumped in to help with planting and harvesting tasks.
The group cleared weeds, fluffed up garden beds, and added granular amendments before planting our precious Russian Red Garlic – a heritage crop we've been saving and replanting for over 10 years! Meanwhile, others bundled herbs for market and CSA members and prepped garlic cloves for future planting.
The garlic will be covered with straw and will grow until we start harvesting green garlic in May, with a full harvest ready by July. These crops will eventually be sold at market by youth in our SOYL Internship program 🌱.
Thank you for your incredible energy and hard work – it’s always a joy to plant the future together!
Coast Capital
10/09/2024
🎉 The Big Day is Here! 🎉
We can’t wait to see you tonight at the Fresh Roots Harvest Celebration! 🌿 Enjoy live music, local vendors, raffle prizes, and our final market of the season! 🍅🎶 Let’s celebrate the harvest and community together!
🗓️ Today from 5-7 PM
📍 Vancouver Technical Secondary School
🎟️ Free Entry
10/08/2024
🌿 Meet the Vendor: Beespoke Textiles 🌿
We’re thrilled to have Beespoke Textiles at our final market of the season during the Harvest Celebration! 🧶✨ Using naturally grown and harvested plants, Bea creates one-of-a-kind, naturally dyed textile pieces. Each limited-edition item is a true celebration of the natural world, reflecting the seasonal harvest and years of close collaboration with plants. Don’t miss out on these unique, hand-crafted treasures!
🗓️ Tomorrow from 5-7 PM
📍 Vancouver Technical Secondary
Beespoke Textiles
10/08/2024
🍺 Raffle Highlight: 33 Acres Brewing Company Gift Basket 🍺
We're excited to feature a gift basket from 33 Acres Brewing Co. in our Harvest Celebration! It includes a tote bag, a six-pack of 33 Acres of Sunshine, and a $50 gift certificate. 🌞 This refreshing French Blanche beer pairs perfectly with these fall days! 🌿
🗓️ October 9th from 5-7 PM
📍 Vancouver Technical Secondary School
10/07/2024
🍅🥕 Last Market of the Season! 🌽🥬
Join us at our final market of the year during the Harvest Celebration! Stock up on fresh, seasonal produce like kale, carrots, squash, and more. Plus, we’ll have homemade jam, bread, eggs, and delicious coffee! ☕🍞 Don’t miss this last chance to grab your fall favorites!
🗓️ October 9th from 5-7 PM
📍 Vancouver Technical Secondary School
10/06/2024
🎶 Meet the Band: Sospiro Misterioso! 🎶
Our Harvest Celebration will be filled with the sounds of Sospiro Misterioso, Vancouver, a 7 to 10-piece folk band bringing lively tunes from Canada and across Europe. 🎻🎵 Expect everything from banjo and drums to mandolins and clarinets ! 🌍 It’s going to be magical! ✨
🗓️ October 9th from 5-7 PM
📍 Vancouver Technical Secondary School
10/05/2024
🌿 Raffle prizes Sneak Peek! 🌿
We’re so excited to feature a beautiful gift basket from Cafe Etico for our Harvest Celebration! 🎁 This basket includes fair-trade and organic treasures like extra virgin olive oil, handmade soap, Camino chocolate, and coffee beans from Chiapas, Peru, and Guatemala! ☕🍫
All proceeds go to supporting our programs. Don’t miss out! 🙌
🗓️ Fresh Roots Harvest Celebration – October 9th from 5-7 PM
📍 Vancouver Technical Secondary School
10/04/2024
The big day is almost here! Join us on October 9th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Vancouver Technical Secondary School for the Fresh Roots Harvest Celebration.
This free, family-friendly event is your chance to celebrate the season's bounty with fresh produce, live music, fun activities, and our final market of the year!
Plus, you'll have a chance to win amazing prizes, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. It’s going to be an unforgettable evening, and we can’t wait to see you there!
10/01/2024
One market left before our Harvest Celebration ! Our veggies are waiting for you : merlot napa cabbage, lettuce heads, salad mix, hakurei salad, turnips, radishes, beets, carrots. If you're craving for some greens, come pick our zucchinis, cucumbers, green tomatoes, green peppers, garlic & onions !
Join us on our market every Wednesdays @ 3-7pm at Vancouver Technical Secondary School (2600 E Broadway in Vancouver, May 29th - Oct 9th)
You can also buy fresh eggs from , bread or delicious cookies from .
See you all very soon !👨🌾
10/01/2024
On Truth and Reconciliation Day, we paused to reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools and the resilience of Survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action https://buff.ly/4enhgt5 offer us a path toward healing, justice, and accountability. These calls are not just tasks to be checked off—they represent ongoing commitments to understanding, acknowledging, and supporting the communities that have endured profound trauma and loss.
At Fresh Roots, we have the privilege to farm, learn, and teach on lands that are not ours. Our schoolyard farms are located on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), stóō (Sto), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), and sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Coast Salish peoples. We acknowledge the harm that both farming and schooling have caused Indigenous Peoples and the land. As settlers, farmers, and educators, we commit ourselves to ongoing reconciliation by being listeners, food sharers, and responsible stewards of this land.
Yesterday, today, and every day, we commit to learning, growing, and working towards a future where equity, healing, and justice are realities for all Indigenous Peoples.
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Here’s how our 2024 #GreatBigCrunch went! Stick around for a surprise twist…
Take action and learn more with the Coalition for Healthy School Food: https://buff.ly/4c9SGv9
Fresh Roots’ envisions urban agriculture that fosters safe, inclusive communities where everyone has access to healthy, locally grown foods!
We achieve this by developing and managing community market gardens for a diverse range of partners on their own institutional land while providing education/engagement programming services.
Our community market gardens and programs create:
• Multicultural, intergenerational community spaces
• Good food for our partners and communities
• Green collar jobs and a replicable, innovative model
• Understanding of the connection between environment, culture and our food.
Our market gardens have become community focal points, bringing a variety of multicultural, intergenerational communities together for learning, celebration, or simply experiencing the joy and wonder of growing food.
We work in an inspiring collaboration with the Vancouver School Board. Together we have established two 14,000 sq ft Schoolyard Market Gardens, commercially producing spaces used as outdoor learning classrooms by the school community and for community gatherings and celebrations by the neighbourhood.
Through the gardens we host professional development days for teachers, helping 'train the trainers' how to use gardens to achieve core curricular objectives. We also host workshops, events, farm tours and field trips for elementary, secondary, and university classes. We offer corporate and non-profit team building opportunities as well.
Produce from our Schoolyard Market Gardens is distributed through our weekly Veggie Box program, sold to local school cafeterias, and purchased by the community at Vancouver Farmers Markets.
A big part of our vision is connecting youth with the food they are eating while at school. To reach this goal we partner with a number of school cafeterias to bring fresh schoolyard grown produce onto the plates of students for the entire school year. Through consultation with our cafeteria partners we’ve identified vegetables that best suit each school’s menu and plan our plantings and harvest to ensure we can consistently provide these crops. Through this unique relationship students can create a link between the food they see growing in the garden and menu items featuring Fresh Roots produce available to them at lunch.
To learn more about Fresh Roots, teacher professional development opportunities, and how to purchase school-grown produce from us, find us at:
