Creation of an intergenerational community garden as a public health initiative for Black-identifying youth and older adults in Peel Region.
Community gardens are green spaces where members of a neighbourhood or community come together to grow food, herbs, native plants or flowers. Beyond the beautiful blossoms and nourishing produce, community gardens serve as a remarkable public health solution, from inspiring healthy nutrition habits to building socially resilient communities.
In Malton, a neighbourhood in Mississauga, a group of change-makers have come together to convert green space into a plot that fosters intergenerational community connection and improves health and wellbeing. The project is jointly spearheaded by Dr. Ibukun Abejirinde, Scientist at the Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, and Racquel Bremmer, Clinical Director of Primary Care Services at the Black Health and Social Services Hub (which is a collaboration of Roots Community Services, LAMP Community Health Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association [Peel Dufferin], Ascension of our Lord Catholic Secondary School and Zawadi Farm), and Black-identifying youth and older adults.
The team recently celebrated the launch of the intergenerational community garden at Victory Park in Malton. The initiative is more than a planting project ̶ it is a public health intervention grounded in Afrocentric values and traditions, with a focus on intergenerational social connections and chronic disease prevention, particularly Type 2 diabetes.
Building on research that shows community gardens can help improve health outcomes, this project will establish a Black-led, Black-focused community garden where older adults (65 plus) and youth (15-29) can grow food, learn about nutrition, and interact socially to reduce loneliness and create community bonds. The findings will guide future programs and help expand diabetes prevention efforts and equity-focused community-based interventions in Mississauga and beyond.
Barriers such as limited access to green space, cost of supplies, lack of culturally relevant programming, and other systemic inequities can make gardening feel out of reach for some individuals and communities. This project is intentionally designed to offer shared space, tools, and materials, hands-on workshops, and accessible programming led by trusted community leaders. At the plot in Victory Park, as well as a greenhouse in Ascension of our Lord Catholic Secondary School, gardens will be prepared with culturally significant crops such as callaloo, okra, and scotch bonnet peppers. These are foods that preserve traditions and support nutrition in a way that feels personal and familiar.
The community garden is a supported by a strong local ecosystem ̶ a key factor in its early success and long-term sustainability. Black identifying community members and students from Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Secondary School will be trained to tend 14 garden beds, growing vegetables of choice. “Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Secondary School is proud to be a part of this partnership, and we look forward to seeing community members take ownership of this space, inspiring others and setting a powerful example of community stewardship,” says Kevin Arantes Sylvester, Principal of Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Secondary School. Local grower Jessey Njau and his team from Zawadi Farm are providing urban farming support rooted in Afrocentric growing practices; and staff from the Black Health and Social Services Hub, including a diabetes nurse, dietitian and a community health worker, will be providing diabetes education and nutrition counselling. Participants will also be able to access integrated health and social services through the Black Health and Social Services Hub.