Article contentHe runs a program called ‘Youth Food Leaders’ out of the Membertou Youth Centre. It’s a program that provides youth leadership opportunities in food initiatives across the province. Young people learn the importance of food skills related to cooking, growing, and food safety.Article content“Here in Membertou, we’re trying to tie in as much culture as we can. A lot of youth had an interest in bees. So I brought some honey bees into the community. And now, we’re about to be processing about 100 pounds of honey in the coming weeks at the youth center.”Article contentHe says the youth have been involved every step along the way. When they join the youth project, they are asked what their interests are, and a program is designed around those interests.Article content“We sit down with the youth and find out what they want to learn – what tickles their fancy – and we design the program around that,” Doucette says.Article contentArticle contentHe says that along with bees and beekeeping, the youth have worked with elders to learn about gardening, lobstering, meal planning and the importance of a healthy diet.Article content“And then, we tie all these things in with recipes they can use.”Article contentGROWING COMMITTEEArticle contentChristmas says people are really struggling.Article contentOne of the initiatives they have done already is to provide grocery cards to members that were bought with a grant. The committee has made turkey dinners for the community as well as provided hot meal events, such as one on Nov. 18. Anyone could come into the social department in the afternoon for a free hot meal. And if people have mobility problems, their needs will still be accommodated.Article contentAt the end of the month, the committee will provide breakfast for their annual Fall Fair.Article contentChristmas says the Food Security Committee is growing as people and individuals offer to help feed the community.Article contentArticle content“But I want to step back now and give room to the younger ones,” she says. “I’m stepping back, but I want to be sure that our elders are being taken care of and know where to go for help.”Article content“We’ve invited others into our groups and now they get a lot more support from our organizations to keep this kind of work going. We recognize their efforts in Membertou and we want to build on it. We’re all going to work on this.”Article content“The community is taking care of each other,” says Christmas. “It’s really evolved. It all started from a community garden and recognizing the need that people have to have food security that is sustainable. We need to educate people on how to grow their own food in these times.”Article contentELDERS TEACHArticle contentAnd thanks to the elders of the community, the generational learning about how to thrive alongside nature continues.Article contentThe elders now teach youth how to garden; use tools to make raised beds; how to plant seeds and harvest when it’s time. Together, they grow berries, asparagus, cabbage, herbs, potatoes and someone donated an apple, cherry and pear tree, so they now grow fruit trees.
Membertou takes community approaching to food security
