$100,000 OTF grant helps United Way and Ampere introduce individuals to careers in agriculture and food production
On Thursday, the United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes and Ampere spoke to representatives from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and the office of MPP Laurie Scott about the impact of a $100,000 Seed grant that the United Way received last year. The OTF grant supports Growing Futures, a new paid internship pilot program at the Edwin Binney Community Farm in Lindsay and it’s an initiative being delivered by the United Way and Ampere.
“Strong communities are built by creating opportunities for people to learn new skills while ensuring everyone has access to healthy local food,” said Laurie Scott, MPP Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock in a press release. “Through this $100,000 Seed grant, United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes will introduce individuals facing employment barriers to careers in agriculture and food production while strengthening food security across our region. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this innovative project will have individuals, families, and communities across Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes.”
Running between April 2026 through March 2027, the pilot will hire six youth aged 15–30 for hands-on training in sustainable agriculture and digital skills, alongside mentorship from local agri-food employers, with a goal of creating real, sustainable opportunity and impact for people facing barriers to employment. To support long-term growth of the project, Growing Futures will also bring roughly 500 local students to the farm for workshops on food security and agricultural careers, and will sustain the production of over 20,000 pounds of fresh produce annually for the community.
“Our interns have been integral to the success of this season,” said Raechel Woodrow, farm manager, United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes. “While their hard work has helped us grow fresh, healthy food for our community, it has been just as rewarding to see them gain valuable skills and experience through this opportunity. We’ve grown more than food this season; we’ve grown confidence, skills, and futures. I’m incredibly proud of our team and everything they’ve accomplished together.”
“It’s been fantastic partnering with the folks at United Way to continue the important work at the Edwin Binney community farm,” said Warren Frank, Ampere’s Kawartha Lakes program manager. “The opportunity to remove barriers to employment while providing paid job experience and broadened career paths made this program and partnership an immediate success. We’re excited to continue working together in service of our community.”
Produce generated by the farm typically goes toward supporting local food access initiatives, including food banks and other community programs that help ensure fresh, nutritious produce is available to community members who need it most.
