Digital Stories From The Ground Up
This initiative engages youth in using smartphones to share stories about the physical, social, cultural and mental health impacts of growing food and giving back to the community. Ecosource worked closely with a group of youth from the Forest Glen neighbourhood to showcase the experiences of community gardeners, that of local partner organizations, and their own personal stories. The youth volunteers attended weekly sessions from May to October 2022 that focused on gaining hands-on experience with growing food and garden stewardship, while developing their videography and interview skills. Youth learnt about food justice through field trips to other community gardens and food banks, and by participating in trainings.
At the end of the project, friends, families, volunteers, gardeners, and partner organizations were able to gather and watch the wonderful digital creations at an outdoor screening event at the Forest Glen Community Garden. In addition, the youth’s digital creations will be shared through art installations at various community garden sites across Mississauga (expected May 2023). Read on to discover the digital stories created by the youth.
The Digital Stories from the Ground Up Project is made possible through the generous support of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation.
What is food justice, and why is it important? These are some of the questions that Liz asks Vesna, who is a community gardener. This video shows all the luscious fruits and veggies that are growing in her garden, as well as some tips and tricks shared for new gardeners. Video created and edited by Liz.
Through our field trip to Churchill Meadows Community Garden, Laaiba interviews Carol, who is a long-time cultivator. Carol shares her experiences with gardening and why it’s important. Laaiba also interviews her mother, where she shares her own experiences with gardening and cooking with the crops that she grows. Video created and edited by Laaibah.
This is Reema’s first time growing at the Churchill Meadows Community Garden. Rafia and Smmaviah capture Reema’s trials and tribulations, as she gives us a tour of the plants that she is growing in her garden. Video created and edited by Rafia and Smmaviah.
Sofia captures the personal experience of one of our Forest Glen Youth Cultivator volunteers – Liz! Liz shares their experiences on how they got into gardening. Viewers get the chance to see what’s growing in the community plot at Forest Glen Community Garden. Video created and edited by Sofia.
What happens when you donate fresh produce to The Mississauga Food Bank? How does the food bank work? Jadel interviews Chris, a long time volunteer at The Mississauga Food Bank. Chris provides suggestions on how you can support, and ways you can donate. Video created and edited by Jadel.