Alexandria Hamelin saw first-hand how people struggled to put food on the table during the COVID pandemic. So she decided to do something about it.
She founded the Georgian Bay Food Network (GBFN).
"It started off as a little idea, a family conversation and it grew from there very quickly," said Hamelin.
Opening in Midland Dec. 1, 2021, it served 250 households in the first month. In a very short time, that number doubled and then it doubled again and it keeps growing. The GBFN is now serving 1,500 households a month as demand continues to increase.
"There is a very large number of people that are struggling with food insecurity," Hamelin told MidlandToday.
GBFN has been the recipient of donations from local organizations including Georgian Bay Gals Give. They received $17,675 from the Guys Who Care in May. That was a "game changer" because donations are typically lower in the spring and demand was continuing to grow, she said.
"We grew very quickly and we didn't anticipate it, but the community has been incredibly generous. Everyone seemed to pull together to support this," she said.
Hamelin said she wanted to offer a more dignified and individual approach to the traditional food bank model. So they opened a storefront featuring a grocery store style where clients take a cart and choose the foods they want to eat.
"We've heard endless praise about that because it feels normal," Hamelin said.
GBFN is set up on a point system. Larger families are given more points. Built into the system is an easy way to eat healthy foods.
"All of our produce is zero points," said Hamelin, so it encourages clients to try new fruits or vegetables and allows them to get fresh produce every visit.
Currently, they have lots of corn, so there is no limit. There are limits on other produce, based on family size, she explained.
Some non-perishable items are also zero points when they are close to the best before date. Juice boxes are three for one point, for example.
"It's a more dignified way to support people in need who are struggling with food insecurity and we've had great success with it so far."
Hamelin has been involved in charity work her whole life. Her grandmother is the founder of CLH Developmental Support Services.
"It's been an incredible journey. I'm still surprised at how quickly the community came to support us and know us. It makes me very proud to be part of this community," she said.
The registered charity covers Midland, Tiny and Tay townships, Penetanguishene and Christian Island.
Donations of cash are most welcome so they can buy food at wholesale prices and because some clients have special diets and need items not typically donated to food banks.
Those who make donations through the website will be issued tax receipts immediately. Monthly donations can also be set up. Drop-off monetary donations and food donations are welcome at the shop where volunteers serve clients.
More volunteers may be needed in the near future as the Network has applied for grants for new projects.
People interested coming to GBFN need to register and meet with the volunteer community resource navigator. The retired social worker also helps connect clients to other social services in the community.
The Georgian Bay Food Network is located at 230 Aberdeen Blvd. It's open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 705-812-6500, email: [email protected], visit them on Facebook: georgianbayfoodnetwork or visit the website: gbfn.org/gbfn.
