4-H Canada Providing Youth with “Food For Thought”

Ottawa, ON, Sept. 26, 2023 – 4-H Canada has launched a new outreach initiative, Food For Thought, sponsored by Syngenta Canada, to help youth discover their personal role in food security and accessibility in their community, country, and the world.

“We are proud to launch Food For Thought, which will give not only 4-H members, but youth across the country, the opportunity to gain an understanding of the impact food waste has on their community, and what they can do to help,” said David Hansen, Chair of the 4-H Canada Board of Directors. “Generously funded by our longstanding partner, Syngenta Canada, this initiative will connect youth with activities that allow them to get hands-on and have fun, while learning about critical aspects of food literacy, safety, and security.”

The Food For Thought Activity Guide is available free of charge via digital download to youth, parents, and educational organizations across the country, and is packed with colourful graphics, engaging content, and experiential activities that make learning about sustainable agriculture and food security fun.

From maintaining a sourdough starter to planting a Three Sisters garden to creating zero waste recipes, the Activity Guide uses 4-H Canada’s proven Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach to teach youth about food security, while allowing them to experience first-hand how to cut down on food waste in their homes and communities. It also introduces youth to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, encouraging them to become global citizens working to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to help 4-H’ers learn about this important topic and empower them to become zero hunger champions,” said Christina Stroud, Head of Corporate Affairs for Syngenta Canada. “As a company committed to sustainable agriculture, we are proud to be part of the solution to global food security.”

Through the generosity of Syngenta Canada, 4-H clubs and families who register for the initiative will also receive a Food For Thought Activity Kit at no cost, filled with supplies to create and record their own recipes, grow vegetables, and maintain a sourdough starter.

As 4-H Canada’s lead partner for programming within its Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security leadership development pillar, Syngenta Canada has contributed over $1,652,000 to the organization since 2014. Food For Thought is the latest in a long line of hands-on 4-H Canada programs supported by Syngenta Canada. To date, over 25,000 4-H members and youth have been engaged through the Proud to Bee a 4-H’er, Dig into Soil, and Steeped in Soil outreach initiatives.

Download the free Food For Thought Activity Guide. For more information on the full range of Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security outreach initiatives supported by Syngenta Canada, visit 4-h-canada.ca/programs/outreach-initiatives.