By Jasleen Sohal
The Scarborough Food Network (SFN) is a collaborative network of community organizations, non-profits, small businesses, educational institutions and community residents that have a collective goal to increase food security in Scarborough. This extensive network prioritizes food access, justice, and literacy and sustainability as part of a multidimensional approach to improve food security, and also supports community food initiatives.
Photo Credit: Jasleen Sohal
Since the start of the pandemic, the SFN has been holding monthly online meetings with a number of community organizations and individuals in attendance. These meetings provided the community with a space to collaborate on increasing food security as well as an opportunity to support one another through setbacks and exchange strategies and successes. While community organizations have had their individual events and programs over the years, the recent community gathering organized by SFN at 2330 Midland Avenue, Scarborough, on April 10, 2024, was the first of its kind. The community event served as a momentous occasion that allowed the community organizations and members to network in-person and take part in an event that unites them all. The Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS), SFN’s member organization, offered to host this event at their head office. In addition to celebrating the collective successes of SFN and its member organizations in their fight against food insecurity, the event aimed to give the community a chance to engage in community building and connection-making, as well as information sharing and networking.
Photo Credit: Jasleen Sohal
Several organizations set up vendor and information tables at the community event to showcase their work, products and services, and in some cases, host entertaining games to engage the attendees. Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA) had one such table. Agincourt’s ACSA is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services to meet the needs of the community, including food security programs, housing and outreach programs, child and family programs, and much more. At the event, they featured a spinning wheel at their table with rewards for participants. They were also offering information about their ‘Family Wellbeing Pilot Program’ to those who were interested.
Photo Credit: Jasleen Sohal
Another table that featured a spinning wheel was the South Markham Community Action Table (SMCAT). The SMCAT, established through York Region’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, is a community driven network that collectively addresses housing stability, mental health and mental well-being. Their table featured a ‘mental health wheel of fun’ that landed on questions about mental-health. Prizes were awarded to those who provided the right responses, making it a fun and educational game.
Photo Credit: Jasleen Sohal
The South Asian Cultural and Health Association for Youth and Seniors (SACHAYS) is a SFN member organization that serves Toronto’s multicultural and diverse communities through programs tailored to promote overall well-being. At their informational table, the Executive Director of SACHAYS, Mahesh Nileshwar, welcomed attendees to the table and offered to provide information about the programs available. Their table highlighted their inclusive programs such as the free hot meal program called “Trupti” and the online yoga sessions called “Kshema.”
Photo Credit: Jasleen Sohal
The Scarborough and Courtyard Farmers’ Markets were also present at the event, as was their market manager, Jennifer Forde, whose tables were stocked with fresh produce. When they open for the season, Fairmount Park is home to the Courtyard Farmers’ Market, while Rosebank Park is the location of the Scarborough Farmers’ Market.
Photo Credit: Jasleen Sohal
The event also had displays offering artisan products, such as 0rganically You, which sold soaps and body butters. The zero in “0rganically” stands for their commitment to producing zero waste. Regrain was another artisan vendor that was offering natural products created with upcycled ingredients. Products like their Upcycled Dish Soaps, Spent Grain Soaps, and Juice Pulp Soaps were on display.
Photo Credit: Jasleen Sohal
The SFN had also set up an entertainment table for children, which included a variety of toys, books, and more. Furthermore, everyone got the opportunity to participate in a raffle draw at a table filled with prizes, which added to the excitement. As the event progressed, Amanda Wedge, the recently appointed President of SFN, delivered a welcome speech along with the land acknowledgement, and the attendees expressed their gratitude for her efforts in organizing the event.
Photo Credit: Jasleen Sohal
Johl Whiteduck Ringuette, an Anishnawbe chef and speaker, was invited to give a speech on Indigenous foods and traditions. Nishdish, Johl’s food and catering business, offers a menu that has been crafted from Indigenous food practices and incorporates locally sourced ingredients from different Indigenous communities. Johl offered everyone a taste of an Indigenous dessert known as ‘wild rice berry pudding’ catered by Nishdish. Everyone lined up to try some as Amanda served the pudding. Johl also demonstrated smudging and engaged the audience in discussions on the practice.
Photo Credit: Jasleen Sohal
Overall, the SFN community event offered an enjoyable afternoon full of opportunities to purchase products from artisan vendors, purchase fresh produce from farmers’ markets, engage with community members and organizations, and learn about helpful community programs.