In our community, food is not just a basic need—it is a fundamental way to feel rooted and connected to those around us. “Food is belonging” isn’t just a phrase; it’s the foundation of everything we do in our food security programming. When we come together over food, we are more than just a group of individuals—we are a family, bound by shared history, culture, and care.
Through our Land-Based Living Lab and participatory arts-inspired activities, we deepen our connection to the earth, creating a sustainable foundation for future generations. In a world where food can be the difference between isolation and connection, let’s continue to make sure that food is belonging for everyone.
We’re thrilled to share our 2023-2024 Activities, Impacts, and Outcomes Report! This year has been transformative, as we continued rebuilding our facilities, expanded our arts-based programming, and deepened our focus on climate entrepreneurship and creative leadership.
This week, residents of Dyment and Borups Corners came together for a heartwarming celebration at the Dyment Recreation Hall. The evening was filled with festive cheer, delicious food, and a sense of unity as community members enjoyed a special Christmas feast and games night.
In June 2022, just as Art Borups Corners’ Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse-funded Digital Arts and Cultural Entrepreneurship Incubator pilot program was gaining momentum, disaster struck.
Nestled in the heart of Melgund Township, The Cook Shack is more than just a place to grab a delicious bite—it’s a hub for connection, resilience, and shared experiences. Our cook shack was created to serve up fresh, affordable, and locally-inspired meals while making a difference in food security and community well-being.
From summer festivals to winter markets, the Local Services Board of Melgund is a proud partner in community events. Whether it’s serving as the centerpiece of a community gathering or hosting local celebrations, these facilities provide a welcoming space where neighbors connect, stories are shared, and traditions are celebrated.
Proceeds from The Cook Shack directly support local recreation initiatives and participatory events. When you enjoy a meal with us, you’re helping to rebuild and sustain vital spaces for creativity, connection, and growth in our community.
Come for the food, stay for the company, and leave knowing you’ve contributed to something bigger. We’re not just serving meals—we’re serving our community, one plate at a time.
Volunteer: Your hands and heart are welcome in our gardens, kitchens, and workshops. Together, we’ll grow food, foster connection, and build community.
Donate: Your generous donations help us continue our work in growing sustainable food systems and providing nourishing meals to those who need them most.
Share Your Story: Your experiences, recipes, and food traditions enrich our programming. Share your story and become part of our collective journey toward a food-secure future.
In a world where food can be the difference between isolation and connection, let’s continue to make sure that food is belonging for everyone. Together, we can create a community where every meal is a reminder that we are not just feeding bodies—we are feeding souls, strengthening bonds, and shaping the future.
Tucked away in the scenic landscape of Melgund Township, our Land-Based Lab offers a space for creative exploration, climate entrepreneurship and cultural renewal. Designed to connect art with the land, this unique incubator nurtures innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, fostering a deep connection to nature through hands-on, locally inspired projects. Here, we empower individuals to explore the intersection of tradition and creativity while strengthening environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Our youth are the future of food security, and they are leading the way toward a more sustainable and inclusive world. Through our youth programs, we are empowering the next generation to reconnect with the land, explore ancestral food practices, and create solutions for a more food-secure future.
Learning by Doing: From hands-on gardening to food justice advocacy, youth participants engage in real-world projects that teach them the importance of food security and sustainability. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make lasting change in their communities.
Cultural Reconnection: Many youth in our program are reconnecting with traditional food practices that were once lost or forgotten. Whether it’s learning how to harvest wild plants, fish sustainably, or prepare traditional dishes, these young leaders are reclaiming their cultural heritage through food.
Building Food Sovereignty: Our youth leaders are advocates for food sovereignty—an approach that prioritizes local control over food systems. Through their work, they are challenging systems of inequality and pushing for more sustainable, community-based food solutions.
Our community gardens are a reflection of the values that guide us—collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity. These gardens are much more than spaces for growing food. They are sanctuaries where people come together to nurture both plants and relationships.
Connection to the Land: Our gardens reflect the deep connection we share with the land. By growing our own food, we reclaim our power and cultivate self-sufficiency while also learning about and honoring the natural world around us.
Shared Growth: Everyone, from young children to elders, has a role to play. Whether you’re planting seeds, tending to the crops, or simply enjoying the harvest, you are contributing to something much greater than just food production. You are nurturing a sense of belonging, ownership, and pride.
Intergenerational Wisdom: Our gardens are spaces where knowledge flows freely between generations. Elders share stories about the traditional food systems that have sustained us for centuries, while youth bring new ideas and energy to the table. Together, we learn, grow, and pass on wisdom that ensures food security for generations to come.
