Rossen Lee

Rossen Lee is a recent graduate from Ryerson University with a BASc. in Nutrition and Food as well as a certificate in Food Security Studies. Having spent her childhood as a settler in Hamilton, Ontario, Rossen is passionate about building communities, supporting marginalized populations, and researching urban food security. With her career, she hopes to build a more sustainable, affordable, and socially just Toronto for all. Guided by love and friendship, Rossen believes that human compassion and social resiliency can overcome anything.

Rossen worked with The Stop on the intersection of food security, social connectedness and equity.

Community Engagement Initiative

Rossen created a 4-part audio podcast series titled, “Our Concrete Garden” which explored how public green and growing spaces can lead to improved community wellbeing and social connection, following the brutally isolating COVID-19 stay at home orders in Toronto. The objective was to educate, entertain, advocate for civic engagement, spark an interest with nature, and encourage others to participate in their own local community gardens or park events. This podcast was created with the average Torontonian in mind, or other urban dwellers who are interested in Toronto-based stories. Read the report: Our Concrete Garden Podcast

Report

Exploring the Influence of Publicly Accessible Green & Growing Spaces on Health: Implications for Toronto During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders have had devastating effects on mental and physical health in Toronto, due in large part to the surge in pandemic-induced social isolation. Also during this time, there has been a noted increase in public interest in plants and nature. Extensive research has shown that interacting with plants, even through simple observation, produces positive health improvements both mentally and physically in a variety of sample populations. During the pandemic, and as we look towards a post-pandemic future, access to plants and nature has become a highly topical means through which to foster both community connections and mental well-being, particularly in urban settings. This report details the relationship between individuals engaged with The Stop Community Food Centre and community green spaces, with interviews providing insight into both the critical importance of green spaces, particularly during the pandemic, as well as recommendations for making green spaces more publicly accessible.

Keywords

Toronto, green spaces, community gardens, food security, plants, nature, city planning.