ROCKWOOD – 4-H Ontario and Farmers’ Markets Ontario are proud to announce a new partnership that will connect Ontario youth with agriculture and their community.
The two organizations will provide ideas and tools for local 4-H Associations and farmers’ markets to connect like-minded youth and community members across the province.
“We are excited to kick off this partnership with Farmers’ Markets Ontario. It is ultimately a win for all of Ontario. In today’s world it is so important for youth to connect with food, farmers and their communities. Through this partnership those valuable connections will take place on a meaningful level,” says Evelyn Chambers, Interim Executive Director, 4-H Ontario.
Waterloo 4-H already hosts a Farmers’ Market 4-H Club where four volunteers organize and deliver the two-hour program for six weeks each fall and winter.
The Kitchener Farmers’ Market provides the space for the club to operate and supplies the ingredients for special events such as Breakfast with Santa and Mother’s Day Tea.
“We couldn’t do our Breakfast with Santa or Mother’s Day Tea events without the 4-H kids. They make and serve all the food but the most important thing they do is make our shoppers smile,” says Kim Feere, Manager Kitchener Farmers’ Market.
Through this partnership, youth will have the opportunity to participate in a 4-H club at a local farmers market, host a fundraiser for their 4-H club, volunteer or recruit new 4-H’ers to the program. 4-H Ontario and Farmers’ Markets Ontario created a toolkit with resources for 4-H clubs, market managers, boards and municipalities to learn about making connections, requirements, fee subsidy programs and participant resources.
“We hope 4-H groups will be inspired and celebrate farmers’ markets as a great way to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and leadership”, says Catherine Clark, Executive Director, Farmers’ Markets Ontario.
In 2020 this partnership growth will be piloted in key areas targeted for participant growth; however, 4-H Ontario and Farmers’ Markets Ontario will support any markets and 4-H clubs who wish to partner.
