Youth Spark Fellowship Pilot Program

*While the spring pilot program has wrapped, we are in the process of exploring how we can offer this programming again!

This three-month pilot program was a series of FREE tours and workshops for youth that was developed in response to the YouthSpark Research findings calling for stronger pathways between youth and food system organizations and opportunities to gain greater knowledge and access to volunteer, work experience and employment opportunities.

The Fellowship was designed to:

  • Build relationships between youth and Good Food Network members.

  • Connect youth to volunteer, internship, Canada Summer Jobs, and paid employment opportunities.

  • Strengthen youth leadership and food literacy in alignment with the Good Food Strategy.

Fellowship Structure: A series of food systems tours/ introductory exposure opportunities for youth. Visiting locations that serve as key roles in our local food system - such as local farms, community gardens, and food redistribution centres. These tours not only functioned as a way to learn about the places youth visited but also gave them the opportunity to make connections with the folks that work in these spaces. This way they can utilize familiarity with the organizations they visited to make connections in the workforce.

  • This is a free program is for youth (aged 15-30) who are:

    • Curious about food, farming, sustainability, or community work

    • Interested in jobs, volunteering, internships, or school projects related to food systems

    • Wanting real-world experience and connections

    • No previous experience is required!

  • Participants will:

    • Tour key food system sites (farms, food hubs, redistribution centres)

    • Take part in fun hands-on learning activities at some sites

    • Meet people working in food and agriculture

    • Join a resume and application workshop focused on food-system roles

    • Learn about real opportunities for:

      • summer jobs

      • volunteering

      • internships

      • student projects

  • Youth Spark Fellowship Spring Program Dates:

    • March 13th: Victoria Food Hub Tour 

      Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM

      Location: The Mustard Seed Food Security Distribution Centre, 808 Viewfield Rd B, Victoria, BC V9A 4V1


      Program Notes:       This day will begin with a brief program kick-off discussion, followed by a tour of all of the organizations that operate out of this The Mustard Seed Warehouse. So you'll get to learn not just about the work done by The Mustard Seed but also Flourish! School Food Society, South Island Farm Hub, and the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiative Roundtable.

    • March 26th: Learning on the Land with PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱

      Time: 10:00AM - 2:00PM

      Location: SṈIDȻEȽ 
      Program Notes: Join the crew at PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ doing healing work on the land in combination with learning cultural and ecological teachings. 
      As we will be guests on this land it is extremely important that we show up respectfully for our gracious hosts. Part of preparing to do this will include familiarizing yourself with the following links:
      - PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ Protocols for Engagement
      - First Nations Health Authority page on Cultural Safety and Humility


    • April 11th: Compost Education Centre Sustainability Site Tour

      Time: 10:00AM - 11:00AM

      Location: Compost Education Centre, 1216 N Park St, Victoria, BC V8T 1C9


      Program Notes: Dive deep into the world of composting, native plants and pollinators, veggie gardens, aquaponics, and more with a guided tour of our Teaching Gardens and Demonstration Site. The tour offers a look into real life applications of sustainability practices and encourages discussion, critical thinking and reflection.

    • April 24th: Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture Site Tour

      Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM

      Location: Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture, 1810 Glamorgan Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5S9


      Program Notes: Join us for a site tour, learn about the history of the land, as well as Sandown's Regenerative Farmer Program. 

    • April 30th: Welland Orchard Tour with LifeCycles 

      Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM

      Location: Welland Orchard, 1215 Stancil Ln, Victoria, BC V8Z 1R6


      Program Notes: Join us for a tour of the beautiful Welland Orchard and learn about LifeCycles many programs and initiatives. 

      *Recent Updated!*

    • May 9th: Application Materials Workshop 

      The Application Materials Workshop: 


      Time:       10:00AM - 11:30AM

      Location: Virtual workshop via zoom. Please register for this program day via the google form to be sent the


      Program Notes:The Application Materials Workshop will cover how to approach and structure Food and Agriculture Sector related application paperwork, such as cover letters and resumes.

    • May 13th: Victoria Urban Food Table (UFT) Meeting Time:  4:00PM - 6:00PM 
      Location:  Victoria City Hall, 1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6 — in the Songhees Room

      Program Notes: UFT Meeting

      Opportunity to sit in and observe Victoria UFT's monthly meeting. UFT is a volunteer advisory committee dedicated to providing informed support to Victoria City Council in matters related to food security policy and decision making. This is an excellent opportunity to meet other like minded folks who work and volunteer within our local food justice space.


      *Option to join virtually - please reach out to our Program Coordinator Madeline for the link!

    Check out the calendar graphic below!

    • One introduction session

    • 4–6 site visits (45–60 minutes each)

    • One final workshop (resume & pathways)

    • Small group experience (to support real connection)

    You are encouraged to attend the full series, but drop-in participation may be possible upon request. Certification for completion is to attend at least three sessions.

  • By the end of the program, you will:

    • Have a better understand of the regional food system and efforts to support regenerative, equitable and health oriented approaches

    • Know which organizations align with your interests

    • Have direct contacts in the sector

    • Gain clarity on next steps toward:

      • work

      • volunteering

      • Internships

      • Work experience positions

      • education pathways

    • Learn from food sector organizations what they look for in employees or for working as volunteers, internships or collaborating on student projects

    • Tips on creating your resume and application processes 

    • Receive a certificate of participation (attendance-based)

  • We aim to make this program accessible. Supports may include:

    • Flexible attendance

    • Clear schedules in advance

    • Transit considerations

    • Snacks at group sessions

    If you have access needs, you’ll be able to share them during registration.


    • Q: Where is this program taking place?

      A: This program is based out of Southern Vancouver Island. The sites and spaces that are included in the program’s calendar range around the Greater Victoria Area, extending out from ‘Victoria’ out to Esquimalt and North Saanich.

      For more details on where each program date will occur check out the “When & Where” section above.

    • Q: Do I need to attend all the program dates?

      A: No! The more program dates you attend that more connections you will make in out food system. But we encourage you to attend where you can, even if you can only make it to one date!

    • Q: How much does it cost?

      A: The program is free for folks aged 15-30.

    • Q: Can I join the program after the start date?

      A: Yes! However, if you register after March 13th, please email youthprogramcoordinator@crfair.ca to inquire about available spaces at each tour.

This program is coordinated by CRFAIR (Capital Region Food & Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable) in collaboration with local food organizations and farms of the Good Food Network.

***We want to make this program fun, educational, free, AND safe for all youth that attend. This includes youth of colour, people with diverse needs, and queer youth.***