Rhonda KentIt's more than a box of fresh fruit and veggies.
"It's really a box of hope," says Rhonda Kent, referring to Barrie's Fresh Food Box program that offers a variety of fresh produce at reasonable costs.
Now the Canadian Mental Health Association's Simcoe County branch is receiving a $66,800 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant for its Urban Pantry Project.
Michael Coteau, Ontario's minister of tourism, culture and sport was in Barrie on Tuesday afternoon to make the announcement at the Community Wholeness Centre. It's part of $48 million for 314 non-profit initiatives in the province. The ministry says these projects are expected to impact nearly two million people.
In Barrie, funding will improve access to healthy foods for people in need and workshops on food preparation and nutrition.
“Our bodies need food, food is a basic need,” said Jim Harris, director of support services at the Canadian Mental Health Association's Simcoe County branch.
“Healthy, natural food is the best fuel for our bodies," adding there is a link between healthy eating and good mental health. "We also know that healthy eating can reduce anxiety and stress," he said.
Kent works with Redwood Park Communities, through United House transitional housing to women and children leaving the Barrie Women and Children's Shelter.
Good Food Boxes are provided each month to five residents, thanks to a volunteer.
"It's really making a difference," Kent said, sharing a story of a new resident who was excited to make homemade soup with the box of fresh vegetables.
"She told me that the apartment smelled like home."
Another recipient told Kent about how cutting the fresh kiwis triggered her young daughter to say the family was going to be ok.
Finally, Kent talked about receiving a text from a woman who was making a stir fry with her Fresh Food Box.
"Just the joy on her face . . . It was adorable," Kent said, her voice breaking with emotion at the memory.
The Urban Pantry Project is expected to help about 500 economically vulnerable people.
“It will improve access to high-quality food for economically vulnerable people in the community,” Coteau said of the Urban Pantry Project. “The non-profit sector builds up our communities.”
This year's Trillium grants include support for projects that:
- Share arts education expertise by creating materials for teachers and arts educators
- Provide francophone youth with opportunities to see contemporary dance productions and attend workshops
- Boost participation in conservation and restoration efforts for Ontario's watershed
- Encourage individuals with disabilities to stay active by creating community gardens
The OTF is an agency of the Ontario government and one of Canada's largest granting foundations.
For a complete list of the grants, visit otf.ca/latest-grants-awarded-filter/159.
