As the cost of living continues to rise and food insecurity becomes a growing concern across Canada, Tropicana Community Services and Skills for Change are launching a groundbreaking program that connects Black youth (ages 12-18) and seniors (ages 55+) through food, culture, and creativity. The Intergenerational Cookbook Program, made possible through funding from the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, fosters cultural storytelling, hands-on cooking experiences, and discussions on food justice, all culminating in the creation of a unique cookbook zine.
Strengthening Communities Through Food and Culture
At a time when inflation and a national food crisis are straining households, this initiative provides a meaningful way to bridge generations, preserve cultural food traditions, and empower participants with new skills. The program highlights the power of food as a tool for connection, education, and advocacy.
Participants will engage in:
Digital Design Training – Youth will learn how to design and publish a cookbook zine, capturing cherished recipes and cultural stories.
Culinary Exploration – The group will visit local markets, discover diverse cuisines, and take part in hands-on cooking activities.
Conversations on Food Justice – Discussions will center on access to nutritious food, the impact of rising grocery prices, and the importance of preserving cultural food traditions.
Community Celebration – The program will conclude with a public event, where participants will share their experiences, meals, and final cookbook with the wider community.
Supporting Seniors, Accessibility, and Inclusion
This initiative aligns with the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility’s commitment to supporting independence, inclusion, and engagement among seniors and individuals with disabilities. The ministry works to ensure that older adults remain active, safe, and socially connected, while also promoting accessible communities and age-diverse workplaces that encourage full participation for all.
Through this program, seniors have the opportunity to pass down recipes and traditions, while youth contribute fresh perspectives and digital skills to preserve these stories in an innovative and engaging way.
Join the Program
This free opportunity is perfect for:
- Seniors (55+): If you enjoy sharing cultural traditions, personal stories, and cherished recipes.
- Youth (12-18): If you have a passion for food, culture, and creativity.
For more details, visit Tropicana Community Services or Skills for Change.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Intergenerational Cookbook Program?
Intergenerational Cookbook Program, Black youth and seniors are connected through this project to share their recipes, cooking and food traditions, and bond their community in making a collaborative cookbook.
Q2: Who is running/funding this initiative?
The program is headed by CharityAXESS in collaboration with the local community groups through community grants that fund and support their operations to provide food education and cultural exchange.
Q3: What is the goal of this program?
The program will serve to save cultural food traditions, promote inter-generational mentorship, and ensure the community connection by supporting healthy cooking and food literacy.
Q4: Are there eligibility or selection criteria?
Usually, the participants are black youth and seniors of the local community. Selection focuses on the people who are interested in cultural food sharing, cooking and collaboration with the generational.
Q5: How does this program address the national food crisis/food insecurity?
Through cooking skills training, low-cost recipe exchange and greater access to community resources, the program assists the participants to prepare healthy food and foster the shared solution to food insecurity.
