Newcomers Cultivate Community Connection on the Farm

Global’s Eilish Bonang catches up with Dave Rideout, president and CEO of MetroWorks Employment Association, to chat about the recent funding received by the social enterprise, Stone Hearth Bakery, for upgrades to its kitchen. Watch the six minute video here.

“Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, announced a non-repayable investment of $172,000 to MetroWorks Employment Association (MetroWorks) for its social enterprise, Stone Hearth Bakery. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA. “

“With this funding, Stone Hearth Bakery purchased and installed new commercial ovens, a proofer and a range hood to replace aging equipment in its main kitchen. The bakery also improved its fire suppression system and installed a higher capacity gas line. These upgrades allow the community bakery to operate at increased capacity, providing more opportunities to train and employ people from underrepresented groups.”

Read the full media release here.

Find out how newcomer women to Canada continue their passion for farming in their new communities at Common Roots Urban Farm. These women grow produce you cannot buy locally, and have started a small business by selling these products through social media for others to enjoy. Watch the video on CTV’s website here.

Stone Hearth’s very own Red Seal Chef, Rob MacIsaac, shows viewers how to make cheesesteak hoagies. Watch the video on CTV’s website here.

“A popular Halifax community farm organization marked the start of its summer growing season by launching some of its in-progress accessibility features. Common Roots Urban Farm hosted a Celebration of Summer on Thursday afternoon at its Bayers Lake BiHi Park location – one of two, the other being in Dartmouth.” Read on here

“A new cafe with a goal of giving back to the community has opened in the heart of Halifax. The Ampersand Cafe opened in the Halifax Public Library on June 13 with a unique business idea - creating employment and training opportunities for the public.” Read on here

“From now until the end of August, you can enjoy some very insta-worthy bagels while supporting a good cause, thanks to the Rainbow Bagel Campaign. In a collaboration between Dreadlocks & Kindness and Stone Hearth Bakery, for every six-pack of Pride-themed bagels sold, 25 percent of the cost will go to the Youth Project and the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia.” Read on here

“After almost two years with no in-house café, you can once again grab a coffee and a snack at the Halifax central library on spring garden road.” Read on here

“Eating and drinking haven't been allowed at Halifax public libraries for almost a year because of the pandemic. But when they do return there will be a new place to go at the central library — the Ampersand Café.” Read on here

“That is why the EDGE pilot program – which provides eligible Employment Support and Income Assistance clients aged 18 to 26 with a one-stop-shop approach – is expanding to Bridgewater, New Glasgow, Sydney and north end Halifax. The pilot expansion could reach about 200 more young adults each year.” Read on here