Over at the Pemberton Youth Centre, Geoff Pross, Youth Centre Supervisor, is spearheading the Seed to Table project, a program funded by the Community Action Initiative.

The Seed to Table project aims to reconnect at-risk youth with healthy food. More than just a better diet, it’s goal is to give youth in transition confidence, self-reliance, job prospects and an understanding of nutrition and wellness.

The Project trains grade 12s and pays them to mentor grade 7 students through a series of events and outings that connect them to food, how it’s grown, cooked and served at home and in the restaurant industry.

Geoff tells us about the project and what motivated him to put the grant application together.

What’s your take on growing up in Pemberton?

Paradise, but with few obvious post-secondary options.

What do teens eat?

Lots of sugar, caffeine and fried foods, lots of McDonalds and chips. There are exceptions of course.

What are the risk factors that push kids into getting involved in drugs or destructive behaviours?

Poor self-esteem, poor role models, anxiety, permissive attitudes towards drugs/alcohol, and ease of access to drugs and alcohol.

The Seed to Table project is about building protective factors for youth?

Protective factors is a buzz word term for things like self-esteem, strong family support, a job – the kinds of things that help kids resist drug misuse and strengthen mental health.

Why put food at the heart of the project?

Growing food gives people a sense of accomplishment, patience, and business skills. Eating together gives people shared experience, time for contemplation and a sense of community. The older kids will gain work-experience hours that will help them graduate. The younger group gain mentors for the anxiety-producing entry into high school.

Why is the Seed to Table project such a fit for Pemberton?

I want the participants to see that there are healthy, interesting careers in agriculture and the food industry, to feel connected with how food is grown and prepared both in a First Nations and farming tradition, and to an increased respect for the good things this area has.  For all those wants the Pemberton area is perfect.