We Envision Vibrant, Resilient Neighbourhoods.

Starting in 2013 as a progressive grassroots social venture, Building Roots was initially founded in response to a lack of fresh food access and agricultural growing space across Toronto.

We believe that inadequate food systems are a by-product of greater social issues within these communities. Without addressing the need to heal our roots, we cannot address poverty, social isolation & inadequate civil investment.

Shifting our focus in response to these issues – which became even more glaring during the COVID-19 pandemic – we began to build resources for social cohesion and co-create targeted development of community tools alongside the community.

Among a large list of “firsts” – we created a long Canada’s first ever market operating out of a shipping container, which has been seen on CBC, CTV, Globe and Mail & the National post all to discuss our impact

Since 2013 this vision has led us to co-create innovative projects that provide fresh food access, meaningful engagement, and transform communities.

In 2019 we launched a charity to expand this work, the Growing Neighbourhoods Foundation.