Waterloo Region teens growing, selling fresh produce at Youth Food Markets
Posted Aug 12, 2025 11:08:24 AM.
Last Updated Aug 12, 2025 11:08:28 AM.
Young people in Waterloo Region are learning about food, growing in-demand vegetables, and helping the community get access to fresh, local produce through the Youth in Food Systems program.
Since the program began in 2019, they’ve had more than 400 Waterloo Region youth participate. Their Youth Food Markets run at three separate locations all summer long until Aug. 28.
“It’s super important that we connect with where our food comes from,” said Hannah Paolini, youth program assistant with Youth in Food Systems. “It’s always important, but really now more than ever. It’s great that we can have the opportunity to teach a new generation of people how to grow their own food and where food comes from.”
Right now, zucchini, summer squash, leafy greens, Ontario-grown fruit, and garlic are currently the top sellers at the Youth Food Markets. All the food sold at the market is grown in the province, and a portion of it is even grown by youth volunteers at one of their six school run food gardens.
“It’s really great to be able to connect with the land you live on, be in touch with what’s in season,” said Paolini. “If you aren’t able to grow the food yourself, at least you know what to look for at the farmer’s market.”
The Youth Food Markets continue across Waterloo Region until the end of August. They take place in Kitchener every Tuesday at Eastwood Collegiate from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Victoria Hills Community Centre from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursdays at Rare Eco C0entre in Cambridge from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
