Strengthening food systems, education, and opportunities for children, youth, and families across the GTA

Across the Greater Toronto Area, communities are building solutions that support children, youth, and families in meaningful, practical ways.

Local organizations are creating new ways for families to access fresh, culturally relevant food, opening up learning opportunities that reflect the strengths of young people, and building networks of support that bring people together around shared goals.

Through our GTA Communities funding stream, under our Children, Youth & Families pillar, the Peter Gilgan Foundation is investing in local initiatives designed to strengthen community-driven solutions and expand their reach and impact.

Grants announced in 2026

We’re proud to announce grants to 28 GTA Communities partners working toward shared outcomes:

• Partners are projected to provide more than 10,000 lbs of food to community members struggling with food insecurity.
• More than 700 children, youth, and community members will take part in tutoring, skills training, post-secondary exploration, and economic empowerment programs, designed to open doors and increase exposure to long-term opportunities.
• 14 community food networks, such as urban farms, food rescue programs, place-based markets, and last-mile delivery, will be supported to enable communities to grow, share, and access food closer to home.
• All initiatives will result in improvements in food access, academic progress, or practical skills and confidence for participating community members.

How this work is taking shape locally

These projects take different forms but share a common approach: they are rooted in community and shaped by lived experience:

• Across Toronto, Brampton, and Durham, neighbours are growing food, running weekly markets, and delivering meals directly to households that cannot reach food programs in person.
• In school courtyards, community kitchens, and neighbourhood spaces, children and youth are building hands-on skills in urban farming, cooking, web development, community research, and employment readiness, supported by mentors who share their backgrounds and lived experience.
• In middle schools in Lawrence Heights, Scarborough, and Malvern, students facing significant learning barriers are receiving relationship-based coaching and support through the transition to high school.
• In Halton, Peel, Thorncliffe Park, Black Creek, and Regent Park, free tutoring and family engagement programs led by educators and community members help young people close learning gaps and plan their futures.
• Throughout, parents, youth, and residents are not just participating, but are designing and leading the work.

Why this way of working matters

This work builds on the strengths already present in communities.

When programs are delivered close to home, they are easier to access and more relevant to daily life. When residents are involved in shaping and leading initiatives, solutions reflect real priorities and build deeper engagement. Rather than addressing immediate needs in isolation, these initiatives are building the infrastructure, networks, and local ownership that allow neighbourhoods to respond to future challenges from a position of strength.

Learn more
A full list of partners supported through this funding round is available here.

Feature photo: PGF partner Uprooted Black Earth Stewards, who work to empower Black communities, promote racial equity, and build community resilience in Peel through community-based farming.