With spring upon us, it’s the perfect time to talk about GOOD food and the journey it takes from farmers and other community partners to the tables of the friends and neighbours we serve across Halton and Hamilton.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Fresh News. We are excited to share all the GOOD that you have made happen at Food for Life. This impact is felt not only by those facing food insecurity but the planet, too.
We’ll also be telling you about some exciting things that are happening at Food for Life, including the opening of our Mountainside Market and our first annual Food for GOOD Week.
We have come a long way together since Food for Life first began rescuing food in 1995. Together, we can do so much more GOOD for the community this year.
Enjoy the read and stay inspired each day by following us on social media.
The GOOD we do is because of YOU!
Graham Hill – Executive Director
Food for Life
We are proud to announce the launch of the Mountainside Market, which offers friends and neighbours access to GOOD rescued food at our 2258 Mountainside Drive location in Burlington.
This first-of-its-kind integrated rescued food market and warehouse is a space that encourages connection and communication between neighbours accessing our supports.
The new space builds on our previous expansions in the past couple of years and allows us to rescue food that is challenging due to its packaging or size. This means more food can be rescued and shared with our community.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, the market allows friends and neighbours to shop and have greater choice in their food selection even during inclement weather. During our pilot phase, many neighbours, including those using the program for the first time, commented that they enjoyed the experience as they found it convenient and free of stigma. The ability to book a time that works throughout the week ensures everyone can access fresh healthy food.
This initiative was made possible thanks to the generous support of the 2021 Local Food Infrastructure Fund through the Government of Canada.
Neighbours are welcome to book an appointment here.
METHOD
In bowl, mix together onion, cilantro, sugar, vinegar, oil, salt and hot pepper flakes; stir in cucumber.
www.canadianliving.com/food/lunch-and-dinner/recipe/cucumber-salad-8
Have you ever thought about growing your own GOOD food, but are unsure how? If you’re worried that your space is too small, you don’t have the time, or gardening is simply too hard, you’re not alone.
A successful container garden starts with the right size, lighting, and picking the right food to grow. Take advantage of our compost giveaway on April 23rd to kickstart your home garden!
Did you know? Last year our fleet drove over 100,000 km in service to the community!
When you work with fresh food you need a fully refrigerated system to ensure the food remains safe to eat from pick up to delivery. Food for Life is fortunate to have a talented team of drivers that specialize in this work and operate our fleet of refrigerated trucks and vans.
Thanks to a grant in 2020 from the Local Food Infrastructure Fund through the Government of Canada and the Hadley Family Foundation, we were able to purchase a new heavy-duty straight truck to bolster our aging fleet. It hits the road this spring and will be rescuing tens of thousands of pounds of GOOD food each week.
In addition, our new truck and the rest of our fleet are now outfitted with the latest in inventory and fleet management software thanks to the Hadley Family Foundation. This technology will optimize the health and safety of our food and help us reduce our impact on the environment.
Spring is here, which means there’s no better time to venture outside to enjoy the nice weather and to support a good cause while you’re at it!
Join us for Food for Life’s first annual Food for GOOD Week April 22nd – 29th.
Food for GOOD Week is an opportunity to discover the power of rescued food and the journey it takes to get from our generous donors to the plates of those who need it most. Learn about how rescuing food reduces food waste, nourishes people and protects the planet!
Events will include:
Earth Day kick-off on April 22nd
Compost Give-Away on April 23rd
For details on these, and other events, be sure to follow Food for Life across all social media platforms and sign up for our newsletter.
At Food for Life, we truly believe GOOD food BUILDS community.
Rescuing and redistributing surplus food isn’t possible without the commitment of partners who power our mission. Whole Foods Market is one of those community champions!
Located in Oakville, Whole Foods Market is one of Food for Life’s longest food donors, donating prepared foods, fruits, and vegetables several times a week.
‘Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet.’
– Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market’s generosity doesn’t end there. They also partnered with Food for Life during the holiday season, raising over $11,000 through their in-store “Shop Local, Give Local” campaign.
We are so grateful to Whole Foods Market and their customers for their commitment to ensuring everyone has access to GOOD food.
Food for Life’s Team Experience Program is a way to bring your employees, co-workers, community groups, or schools together to have an impact in your community.
No matter the size of your group, this is your chance to learn about the power of rescued food while working together as a team to sort food, pack bags, support our market, and compost program in a safe and welcoming environment.
Not sure if the Team Experience Program meets your needs? Host a Food Hero fundraiser! Inspire friends, family, and members of your community to keep GOOD food moving in Halton and Hamilton. Collect funds, fresh food, or both. We’d love to hear your ideas and offer our support!
Inspired and want to get your company, school or community group involved? Connect with Laura@foodforlife.ca
Coinciding with Food for Life’s first annual Food for GOOD Week, April 22nd – 29th is also National Volunteer Week. Food for Life is proud to be a recognized leader in the charitable sector powered by volunteers who mobilize our mission.
Each week, over 450 volunteers help sort, pack and deliver food to neighbours in our community. Among these dedicated volunteers are members of our Board of Directors who give their time and talents to continue the mission of Food for Life.
We have many great opportunities for short and long-term impact roles, there is no better time to share your skills and talents with your community.
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Food for Life Canada Office
2258 Mountainside Drive
Burlington, ON L7P 1B7
905-635-1106
