The Village Gardeners is an urban farming social enterprise for youth 13-17 years of age that operates using a cooperative model. The West Willow Village Neighbourhood Group launched the initiative in the summer 2014 with two Youth Facilitators.
Thirteen Member-Owner Youth [and additional Youth Volunteers] farmed a plot of land, sold harvest on an on-line Market, at the Downtown Board’s Market and provided harvest to the Neighbourhood Emergency Food Pantry. Youth also canned sustainably-grown fruit and sold it under the Young Farmers in Plaid label. Youth experienced food skills, small business skills and were able to receive an honoraria.