Applications open for new bursary for students in agriculture, related fields

August 15, 2023

A new bursary aims to support and inspire students who share the vision of food equality.

Green Iglu is accepting applications for the Tomorrow’s Food Security Leaders Bursary valued at $500. Applications are open until August 30.

“We believe in supporting education to ensure a more conscious, equitable, and prosperous future in Canada,” said Raygan Solotki, Executive Director of Green Iglu, a non-profit that works to improve food security among Canada’s marginalized populations.

To apply for the bursary, applicants must:

• be at least 16 years of age and a Canadian citizen, with priority given to Indigenous and First Nations applicants;

• come from a remote Canadian community;

• be entering or resuming studies in food security, horticulture, agriculture, Indigenous studies, or a related field at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution; and

• fill out the online application by 11:59 pm EST on August 30.

Green Iglu will announce the bursary recipient on September 15. We encourage everyone to share this information with eligible students.

The bursary was inspired by youth in British Columbia and Ontario who joined Green Iglu’s mission of ensuring healthy food for all Canadians regardless of financial status or location.

In 2021, food security became a discussion topic for the grade 11 food studies class at Coast Tsimshian Academy, the high school in the Indigenous village of Lax Kw’alaams, BC. With encouragement from their teacher, Kayli Koep, the students petitioned their band council for a large community greenhouse. Green Iglu partnered with the school and community to build a 42-ft-wide Growing Dome greenhouse that same year.

In 2021-22, the Upper Canada District School Board Student Senate, comprised of about 50 high school students in southern Ontario, decided to support a First Nation community in need. A series of student-led fundraisers generated over $9,000 to help operate two previously built Growing Domes in Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, New Brunswick.

These initiatives demonstrated how young people want to contribute to food security. Students in Lax Kw’alaams eagerly became involved in all aspects of the greenhouse project, from development to cooking meals with fresh produce. Amid environmental pressures, they connected with the land just as their ancestors once did. The Ontario fundraisers were equally impressive, with 21 schools teaming up to far surpass the initial goal of $5,000.

Green Iglu partners with communities and organizations across Canada to build multi-season greenhouses that supply fresh fruits and vegetables to marginalized populations. The accompanying educational programming and training ensures youth and community members can grow their own food.

Green Iglu receives no government funding and relies on donations and grants to fulfill its mandate. To support our mission, visit www.greeniglu.com.

For further information, email media@greeniglu.com.