Not Just A Food Program:

Growing Health and Wellness Through Tea and Spices

In Oshawa, Not Just A Food Program is planting the seeds of real change—literally and figuratively. We're not just another support agency handing out food. We're a growing community initiative focused on making true health and wellness accessible, practical, and free for those who need it most. Through programs like Plant Share For All, we’re building a future where healthy living isn’t a luxury—it’s a community effort.

A Different Approach to Wellness

Unlike many food support programs, we’re doing things differently. Health and wellness are not simply buzzwords or well-meaning suggestions—they’re the foundation of everything we do. We believe access to nutritious food, education about plant-based wellness, and the tools to grow and use healing plants shouldn’t depend on income. Our model invites participants to not only benefit from the program but to engage with it, growing, learning, and improving their own lives along the way.

Why Tea and Spice?

To move this vision forward, we are focusing our next phase on Tea Blends and Spice Mixes. These aren't just flavorful additions—they are rich in natural healing properties. Spices and herbs are a powerful way to introduce essential vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory benefits into a daily diet, especially when fresh produce is out of reach due to cost.

Many of the herbs we’re focusing on—like dandelion for Vitamin C, or cayenne pepper for improved circulation and immune support—can be grown easily and sustainably by participants themselves, using recycled materials and the Kratky method, a simple, soil-free growing technique.

From Personal Healing to Community Health

This shift in direction comes from a deeply personal place. After experiencing a major health crisis—suffering a stroke, learning to walk and talk again, and undergoing open heart surgery—I was faced with a stark reality: the very foods I needed to heal were financially out of reach. Processed foods were easy to find, but healthy, salt-free options were too expensive.

That’s when I turned to growing my own food. I started small, indoors, and eventually discovered the Kratky method. As my health improved, I committed to helping others find the same hope and healing through access to food that supports wellness, not worsens it.

Education, Empowerment, and Personal Responsibility

We are committed to providing information that educates and empowers. However, if you are facing health issues or taking medication, it is very important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially when it involves herbs or natural remedies.

We offer information and resources to support your wellness journey, but you are responsible for your own choices and actions. Our goal is to provide knowledge that helps you make informed decisions, never to replace medical advice.

Wellness Profiles: Learning What You Grow

We’re now developing Wellness Profiles, which help participants understand the health benefits of the plants we grow and share. Each profile connects to real, actionable information—what the plant does, how to prepare it, and how it supports specific wellness goals.

Through these profiles and our growing resources, we are encouraging program participants to take responsibility for their health by learning about and growing their own healing herbs and plants. As they support the program, they also support themselves and others in the community.

Supporting the Most Vulnerable

Our tea and spice initiatives are designed to be inclusive. We're working on solutions for those without access to stable housing so they, too, can benefit from the health and wellness support that our programs offer. Using creative growing methods and community resources, we believe health is something everyone should have the right to pursue, regardless of circumstance.

A Work in Progress, A Community in Growth

We are just getting started. New plants, new spice blends, and new learning materials will be added over time. As we learn, we invite others to learn with us. Together, we are building something that goes far beyond food—we're growing a movement rooted in compassion, education, and true wellness.

Whether you're a participant, a supporter, or someone simply curious about our mission, you're welcome to join us. Let’s grow health and wellness for everyone.