WS-A - WORK STUDY - WELLNESS DISTRICT

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ATTACHMENT Stop for emergency food services; to learn how to grow, cook, and choose healthy food; participate in communal bake ovens and markets; learn about sustainable food systems and urban agriculture; attend peri -natal classes, after school programs and summer camps; or access community support workers. History and Approach The Stop is widely considered a pioneer in community food work for having sought to change the charity food distribution model by building a community that empowers, educates, and engages around food.40 The Stop started as a small food distribution project inside of downtown church for those affected by the growing recession in the 1970s. The initiative began in direct response to the needs of local residents. As demand kept increasing the initiative grew to be one of Canada's first food banks. In 2001, the organization became The Stop Community Food Centre and relocated to one of the regions most diverse neighborhoods, challenged by above - average rates of unemployment and low income.41 The Stop's food bank and drop -in meal programs adopted an emphasis on healthy food as a way to build morale and promote mental and physical health.42 In 1998, The Stop built an urban agriculture program to engage community members in the process and issues of agricultural food production. Staff soon realized the broad impacts of building social initiatives and networks within communities. As resources increased, The Stop began to invest in a civic engagement process that supported community members to understand and address the root causes of poverty and food security.43 While maintaining their emergency drop -in program, The Stop offers a range of capacity building, educational and skills training programs related to food and food preparation, gardening, civic engagement, advocacy training and classes to address issues of social isolation. In 2008, they opened their second site in the Artscape Wychwood Barns as a state of the art greenhouse, commercial kitchen, demonstration garden and classroom. The Stop is considered a key component of its surrounding neighbourhood and a successful best practice model for community organizations across North America. In 2013, The Stop had an operating budget of $4.5 million in 2013.^4 3. Budget and Finances Unlike many traditional community centers, Artscape Wychwood Barns has a self - sustaining financial model, it has not required any operating subsidies beyond the initial capital investment 45 It took three years to raise the $23 million in capital to develop the property. The `'crt Practicc \ s—A-56