By Alice McFarlane/CJVR

Healthy Living Initiative to help rural youth

Nov 21, 2018 | 12:00 PM

A new program will support the emotional and physical wellbeing of rural youth.

The 4-H Canada Healthy Living Initiative was announced at Agribition.

4-H Canada CEO Shannon Benner said young people living in rural and remote communities are at greater risk of experiencing struggles related to their mental and physical health and also lack resources and services.

“The Healthy Living Initiative means offering youth not only the tools and resources to face challenges, but also opportunities to learn how to thrive,” Benner said.

The first year will see the creation of resources and tools that will support youth facing mental health challenges and communicate how to access resources or recognize when a peer needs support. 

FCC Agrispirit fund

AgriSpirit fund supports rural communities

11h ago

Province says tax credit fuels investments in bioprocessing industry

Apr 23, 2024

Nature Conservancy celebrating successful fundraising campaign for McIntyre Ranch

Apr 22, 2024

“The second year is a focus on strengths and building assets in youth, physical wellbeing and nutrition so young people can be confident and strong. That whole package helps young people be positive young leaders,” Benner said.

The program is supported by initiating partner Farm Credit Canada along with UFA Co-operative Limited, Corteva Agriscience, and Cargill, who have agreed to contribute over $150,000.

FCC President and CEO Michael Hoffort said it’s an investment in young people who will play a large role in shaping the future of Canadian agriculture.

 “To help them reach their full-potential we are supporting a program that contributes to the mental and physical well-being of our next generation of farmers and agribusiness professionals,” Hoffort said.