The founders of Fresh Roots have been recognized with one of Canada’s most prestigious honors — the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Presented by Member of Parliament Jenny Kwan at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, this award celebrates the dedication and contributions of community leaders who have made a lasting impact on Canadian society.
MP Jenny Kwan emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating,
“In our community, many individuals work tirelessly, and through their dedication, they have and continue to make significant contributions to Canadian society. Through the King Charles III Coronation Medal, we honor 20 exceptional community members for their incredible achievements and unrelenting resolve to make a difference.”
Our two founders, Ilana Labow and Marc Schutzbank were among these 20 extraordinary recipients. This recognition highlights Fresh Roots’ commitment to community, local food systems, advocacy with the Coalition for Healthy School Food towards a National School Meal Program, and its impact on the lives, hearts, and spirits of the East Vancouver community.
After the ceremony, Ilana and Marc shared their reflections.
- What message would you like to share with the youth, volunteers, and community members who contribute to Fresh Roots’ mission every day?
“Winning this award is East Vancouver’s way of saying ‘we see you Fresh Roots! We are grateful and we celebrate you!’ It truly takes a whole community to grow a schoolyard farm, and I hope everyone that is engaged in this work can feel proud of their role towards Good Food for All. Staff with the organization, volunteers onsite, students, parents, teachers, funders, donors, school administration, partner organizations, the arborists that drop off woodchips and the compost company that helps deliver the soil. Including the neighbours that walk their dogs by the site every day and share a morning chat with the Fresh Roots farmers, the list goes on and on. Every person is vital and together we create the potential and impact Fresh Roots offers the world. The Fresh Roots family (and alumni) has grown exponentially in the last 15 years. The organization touches our spirits and we carry that light and vision within us as our lives journey on.”
- What is one piece of wisdom or lesson you’ve learned on this journey that you would pass on to the next generation of changemakers?
“Founding Fresh Roots was not an easy journey. While everywhere we turned the community was encouraging us to bring Fresh Roots to life, it required investing a tremendous amount of energy, time, heart space, and overall life force to bring it into the world. There was much laughter, and also much heart stretching and tears. And, it took all of us, and continues to. Soil thrives when nurtured with steady care, love, and a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves. When we choose to play a part in tending Fresh Roots’ soil—both literally and metaphorically— we help nurture the seeds of ideas, dreams, friendships, and food that allows Fresh Roots’ impact to flourish and grow.”

Poem from our Founders
Watch a seed up and grow
Bask in Fresh Roots’ garden glow
And you who lent your hands
Your backs, your hopes, and lands
To help kids with Good Food For All
A gift, a joy, that’s been a ball
Thank you to all of you who have made Fresh Roots the incredible organization it is today!
You have all played such important and critical roles in stewarding these seeds. And while it is definitely cool to be seen by the “King”. It is even more cool to work with you to bring this work to life.
Here’s to Good Food For All! Hip Hip Hurray!
With gratitude and sunshine,
Marc and Ilana