Common Roots Group digs into Food Commons project

Common Roots, a summer youth group partnership between Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke, Local Food Initiative, Canada Service Corps and VIDEA is helping shape Revelstoke’s Food Commons project while giving local youth a chance to voice their goals for future food security. 

From setting up a new greenhouse to helping identify and clear out invasive species, youth ages 12 to 30 have been working since June on a range of projects for the Food Commons.

“We want to engage local youth and bring them to this area to learn new skills, develop themselves with their independence and build their knowledge base,” Emma Gamson, VIDEA local youth coordinator said.

She and fellow coordinator Ruby Serrouya have been overseeing the Common Roots youth program over the summer, but the participants have been directing what projects they take on.

“People have had all sorts of ideas or passions or interests, which is inspiring for us as well,” Serrouya said. Ideas include developing mushroom logs, hydroponics and increasing accessibility throughout the Food Commons with projects such as raised garden beds.

Common Roots has hosted a combination of workshops with local experts, building projects and weeding events based on interests of active volunteers. All have been opportunities for group members to build skills and connections that pave new opportunities.

“For the high school students who are just starting to enter the workforce, we can provide references, recommendations and things to put on their resume,” Gamson said. For older volunteers, the Food Commons Project’s long list of organizations helping in one way or another is opening doors for future opportunities.

“We’ve been working with a lot of organizations around town, but we live in a small town, there’s a limited supply of volunteers,” Gamson said. “We’ve been talking with others about how to provide opportunities in different spaces.”

The age range of the group may be large, but Serrouya explained various mentorships have formed within the group over the summer, including high school students connecting with older volunteers to ask about university and career paths.

Common Roots youth program is scheduled to wrap up its summer session by September, but new members are welcome to join at any time. Those interested can reach out through the VIDEA Common Roots page or contact Gamson and Serrouya through the Common Roots Group Instagram.