THUNDER BAY — Roots Community Food Centre – formerly Roots to Harvest – has received further funding to support its youth employment initiatives.
RBC Future Launch has made a two-year, $100,000 commitment which Roots CFC says will facilitate jobs for young people that build skills and connections.
The new funding brings to $250,000 the amount that RBC has provided since 2019.
The money sustains Roots CFC's Seasonal Horticultural Outdoor Worker (SHOW) employment program, which sees 18 to 30-year-olds working at the organization's urban farm.
Executive director Erin Beagle said the money "allows us to commit to paying people a living wage in this program, and access more training resources for building transferable work skills."
Ten individuals are working at the Lillie Street farm from Monday to Thursday each week until Oct. 6.
Their jobs include preparing, planting, caring for and harvesting the crops.
They also head out to area farms to work and learn alongside local food producers.
Throughout the season, community partners also provide workshops on communication, financial literacy, and health and wellness.
RBC regional vice president Jessica Gerrits said the company's gift underscores the importance of helping diverse and underserved communities to participate in all aspects of society.
