Traditional Territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (Prince George).
Led by The Connaught Youth Centre Society (CYC), this initiative strengthened the CYC’s capacity to provide fresh food to Prince George’s marginalized children, youth, and families, many of whom experience daily food insecurity and go to school hungry. This initiative staffed and funded operations for getting their new indoor hydroponic grow shed in operation to seed, grow, market, and deliver greens, advancing CYCS’s goal of strengthening food security.
Story of Impact
The story below was shared by this initiative as their Most Significant Transformation Story, submitted as part of their final report. It reflects the perspectives and experiences of individuals involved in each initiative.
Connaught Youth Centre Society (CYCS), the children and youth it serves, and the broader Prince George community experienced meaningful change through increased access to fresh, locally produced food by investing in a part time role to run the new hydroponic grow facility. Marginalized youth—many of whom attend school hungry—now benefit from a growing, reliable food system embedded directly within their community.
This change was built over more than a decade of intentional investment in food security. CYCS began with a community kitchen and raised-bed gardens, expanded to orchards, and steadily increased capacity through strategic grant funding. Recent investments in commercial kitchen upgrades and an indoor hydroponic grow system now enable year round food production.
Food insecurity remains a critical issue for children and families served by CYCS. This project represents a shift from short-term food support to long-term, sustainable food security. It strengthens dignity, health, and resilience while empowering youth through food education, skills development, and community connection. Having a designated staff member to focus on this means more time is focused here.
CYCS adapted by expanding from seasonal outdoor growing to year-round indoor production in response to rising food demand and northern climate realities. Infrastructure upgrades, training plans, and partnerships were adjusted to ensure the initiative remains responsive, scalable, and community-driven.
“This project shows what’s possible when communities invest in their own food systems. It’s about more than food—it’s about caring for kids and building something that will last.”
Project Poster
All posters are downloadable in print format. Original posters were designed at 3ft by 4ft; as such, we advise you to print at a similar ratio to ensure text and images are as accessible as possible.
Northern Fresh Food Center: CYCS serves Prince George’s marginalized children, youth, and families, many of whom experience daily food…
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