For Godlymodel, Youth in Food Systems became an opportunity to try new things, meet new people and experience the local food system from a different perspective. Through Markets, gardens, field trips and conversations along the way, she discovered there was much more to the experience than food.
Here, Godlymodel shares what stood out to her from the summer.
Trying Something New
This summer, working with Youth in Food Systems will forever be one of the best highlights of the season.
I highly recommend the program to ANYBODY looking to try something new and expose themselves to an environment they’re not entirely used to.
I knew I was someone who craved genuine connections with others, and I knew I wanted to understand who people are and why they do what they do and YFS gave me the opportunity to do just that!
Seeing Things From the Other Side
One of the most meaningful aspects of this program was getting the chance to step into roles I was so used to only seeing from the other side of the fence.
Whether we were placed in a selling role at the market or working directly in the gardens, taking on those responsibilities firsthand changes how you view the world around you.
The People Behind the Food System
Throughout our field trips and daily activities, I loved hearing the backstories of everyone involved in our local food system.
Learning from local farmers, market vendors, and my fellow students to understand what brought them to where they are today was so heartwarming.
I’ve had the chance to talk with so many people who approach their work with so much enthusiasm and love.
It’s not just about some transaction with some random person who happens to sell local goods; it’s about building emotional and social connection.
Everyone has their own unique story and reason for their place in the world, and that is what makes food systems and our involvement so vital.
Growing Beyond Food
Beyond just food, vendorship, and farming, there were just so many events and opportunities to grow and learn, and this includes things like how you view community and leadership as a whole.
This is because you’re basically gaining insider knowledge that not a lot of people have the opportunity to get.
It builds empathy, confidence, and understanding, and a LOT of space to grow and learn (pun intended).
About Youth in Food Systems
Youth in Food Systems creates opportunities for young people in Waterloo Region to learn, lead and take action in their local food system through hands-on experiences.