Listowel District Secondary School (LDSS), Listowel, ON
Grant term, 2024-2025
Listowel District Secondary School (LDSS) is home to 895 students in grades 9 through 12, serving a rural community in southwestern Ontario. For decades, LDSS has run a school food program focused on nutrition and student wellness. But with the support of the Seed Grant, our program has taken an exciting new direction—one that embraces cultural learning, local food systems, and the power of food to unite a changing community.
Listowel has deep agricultural roots and a traditionally homogenous population. However, in recent years, our town has become increasingly diverse, welcoming families from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, and other countries. This shift has not always been smooth, as acceptance and understanding take time. Our food program saw an opportunity to use what connects us all—food—as a way to break down cultural barriers and foster inclusion.
Thanks to the Seed Grant, we were able to purchase specialized cooking equipment—woks, garlic presses, and pastry cutters—that allowed students to explore and prepare foods from around the world. We invited families and community members into the classroom to share their culinary traditions. Students learned to make bolani (Afghan stuffed flatbread), samosas, and Syrian pastries under the guidance of parents and elders. One Afghan student said, “I was excited to share my culture with my classmates and see them enjoy bolani. It was nice to involve my mom, too.”
Another highlight of the year was a field trip to the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market, where students saw firsthand how local produce is grown, sold, and connected to Ontario’s agricultural economy. This experience helped students understand the importance of supporting local food systems while expanding their appreciation for where their food comes from.
Best of all, the dishes students prepared were shared with the entire student body during lunch hours—free of charge. These inclusive lunch offerings brought students together over a shared meal, encouraging conversation, curiosity, and connection. For many, it was their first time trying dishes from different cultures, and for others, it was a moment of pride to see their culture represented at school in such a welcoming way.
The impact of the Seed Grant has been profound. It’s allowed us to adapt our long-standing food program to better reflect the growing diversity of our student body while still honouring the agricultural heritage of our region. In a town where low socio-economic status limits access to food and cultural experiences, this program has been a bright spot. It’s not just about eating—it’s about identity, pride, and learning from one another. By making room for different cultures at the table, we’ve created a stronger, more connected school community.
The Seed Grant didn’t just help us buy tools or fund trips—it helped us grow something far more lasting: understanding, connection, and pride.
