Food Security Programs
Good Food Box Program
The Good Food Box Program has been supplying (for about 18 years) fresh fruit and vegetables at a very low cost to anyone who would like to purchase a box. The current price is $22 for a large box and $11 for a half box. We do not charge those clients who have financial hardship. Each box has an assortment of vegetables and fruit that are picked up at the Ontario Food Terminal the morning of Good Food Box Day – 2nd Thursday of each month – September through June (no box in July and August). The food arrives at the church in bulk at 7:00 am where volunteers break the big stuff down into family sized portions. Volunteers then pack the boxes for clients to pick up. We also have volunteer delivery persons who take boxes to those who cannot pick up. The purpose of the program is to help clients eat healthy and a reasonable cost.
The Blessing Box
The Blessing Box operates like a miniature food bank. It is housed in a red box just outside the front door of the church and contains non-perishable food. Food can be accessed by those who need it – all day, every day – No Questions asked. The box is restocked once a week. The non-perishable food (canned fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, pasta, pasta sauce, soups, stews, rice, evaporated milk, peanut butter, cereal, crackers, etc.) is donated. There is a bushel basket in the narthex to receive your donations. To prevent food from freezing, the box is fitted with a light bulb that is turned on in the winter. The purpose of the program is to help those who need food access it when they need it. This program began in the spring of 2020.
In September 2023, we received a $2000 grant from ELFEC (Evangelical Lutheran Foundation of Eastern Canada) to help keep these programs afloat.
Grants are given to organizations doing hands-on work of making the world a better place. Thank you ELFEC!