About Building Roots
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.
Meet The Team
+ Many more inspiring Volunteers, Community Partners & Participants
Our Projects
How do we do it?
We maintain a streamlined team, using an asset-based community development approach, creating impact that punches beyond our weight. Our team creates successful partnerships with public agencies, groups and businesses while fostering resident leadership, job creation and volunteerism.
Directly supported by community partners, residents, supporters and a few kind funders – we bring the neighbourhood voices to the forefront.