Community Confidence & Inclusion
In 2016, Dalhousie School of Health Promotion conducted research to measure impact through the lens of the youth parent (s)/ guardians:
- 100% of respondents said they believe having a plot in Hope Blooms garden has increased their ability to provide healthy food for their families.
- 99% felt a greater sense of belonging in their community since participating in the Hope Blooms garden and programs.
- 92% indicated that their level of community involvement has improved since joining the garden.
- We now have 375 youth (in-person and virtual), more than 100 families, and seniors from diverse ethnicities across the province (including 20 newcomer families from Syria) that volunteer, and grow food, relationships, and community.
- We share our commercial kitchen, free of charge, with new members of our community, and some have even begun selling their products in our annual farmers market. Our youth leaders have mentored them in social entrepreneurship and customer engagement skills.