The local food bank is receiving praise for all the wonderful work they do.
Earlier this week, the government of Ontario announced it is investing over $5 million for the new Surplus Food Infrastructure Program to help a number of organizations purchase equipment and collect, preserve and distribute food from places like grocery stores and restaurants.
The program is designed to help people in need during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Jeff Yurek was at the Youth Opportunities Unlimited Cornerstone facility in London – where he announced that the funding will ensure surplus food reaches people instead of going to waste in landfills.
“Providing this investment towards refrigerated infrastructure to help food rescue organizations and Indigenous organizations continue to do the great work they do; is one way we are helping the businesses and people of Ontario get back on track,” Yurek said.
Through collaboration with many local businesses, Parry Sound’s Harvest Share has already actively been curbing food waste while supporting food security in the community.
Member of Provincial Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka Norm Miller is applauding the investment which will keep food on the table and out of landfills.
“I am very happy to see Harvest Share recognized locally,” Miller said. “They have always been an excellent support system in our community, but the ways in which they have adapted to our current circumstances and come up with innovative solutions has been truly impressive. I am most grateful for local organizations such as these, even more so in times like these.”
Harvest Share is among nearly 30 community-based organizations, Indigenous organizations and First Nation communities that are receiving funding as part of the Surplus Food Redistribution Program.
Harvest Share’s Executive Director Wendy Pegahmagabow says they are excited to be a part of the redistribution program.
“Having access to the use of a refrigerated vehicle and additional freezers for our Food Rescue Program opens up many possibilities to redistribute surplus food for our programming needs and through partnerships with other organizations in the District of Parry Sound,” she said.