Barrett Centre recognized as Community Agent of Change by Pickering College

The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture at Durham College (DC) has been recognized for its work in creating and supporting innovative solutions that empower the community to build and participate in resilient local food systems.

Earlier this year, Pickering College honoured the Centre with its Community Agent of Change award. The award is given annually to individuals and organizations who leave the world better than they found it and represent the Quaker values the school upholds.

“The Barrett Centre is honoured to receive this award, recognizing our team’s work to create lasting systemic impact,” said Brenna Bizley, Partnership Manager. “A core element of our work is related to food literacy and understanding how food grows, while also connecting with youth to help them become good stewards of the earth, their communities, and schools.”

The Barrett Centre has worked with Pickering College to deliver urban agriculture workshops to students, consult on the growth of the school’s Blue and Silver farm, and share expertise on best practices.

“Community engagements like this are a great opportunity to develop new programs and workshops for various age groups, demographics, and learning styles,” said Bizley. “Having engaged over 17,000 community members through educational initiatives and digital resources, we are building more resilient local food systems.”