High school students explore food justice at The Stop’s Green Barn
On July 30, 2025, The Stop was thrilled to welcome 66 bright high school students and 10 dedicated support staff from the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health’s summer camp to our Green Barn.
This three-day camp, hosted by the Dalla Lana School, is designed to spark curiosity and inspire youth to consider futures in public health.
This year’s theme — agriculture’s role in health and equity — felt like a natural fit with our mission at The Stop, and we were honoured to help bring that learning to life through hands-on, place-based education.
Over the afternoon, students rotated through three interactive stations, each offering a different perspective on the connections between food, health, and justice:
Greenhouse & compost station
Robert, Program Lead
In our compost demonstration area, students discovered how something as simple as food scraps can be transformed into healthy soil. They explored regenerative agriculture practices that nourish not only the earth but also stronger, more sustainable community gardens. In the greenhouse, they learned how The Stop nurtures seedlings that eventually take root in gardens across the city. This was a small but powerful reminder of how local action can build resilient, community-driven food systems.
“From now on I plan to make my own soil, try to make it with solids, branches, kitchen scraps and hope to gift it to my grandfather who gardens.”
— Student
Classroom kitchen session
Ana, Community Chef
Inside the classroom, the air was filled with the aroma of fresh, seasonal food as Community Chef Ana led a conversation about local food systems. Students sampled colourful, nourishing dishes, from crisp vegetable crudité and cucumber bites to mini apple muffins, fruit skewers, and iced herbal tea. Each plate was prepared with care to honour diverse dietary needs, showing students that food can be both inclusive and deeply rooted in community.
“I will keep in mind the delicious & refreshing flavors of the summer zinger ginger drink I sampled today. I will definitely make it at home!”
— Student
Shelter garden conversation
Students from the Dalla Lana School
In the Shelter Garden, the discussion turned to the reality of food insecurity in our city. Students reflected on the barriers many people face to accessing healthy food and learned how The Stop’s programs, from free, nutritious meals to accessible produce markets and community gardens, work to address those gaps. The conversation drew a clear line between public health, food access, and equity, leaving students with a deeper understanding of how grassroots initiatives can make systemic change possible.
“It was really fun, and very uplifting to know efforts are being made for the betterment of the environment and people, as well as the history and stories that come with seeds and growing crops.”
— Student
By the end of the day, the students had not only gained knowledge but also experienced what food justice looks like in practice: community members growing together, learning together, and caring for one another.
We are so proud to have partnered with the Dalla Lana School on this camp, and even prouder to have been part of a day that planted seeds of awareness and hope in the next generation of public health leaders, advocates, and community builders.
►Want to learn more about The Stop’s gardens, community programs, or weekly Farmers’ Market?
Explore our Green Barn programs here.
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