A program in Thunder Bay, Ontario, has reached a significant milestone by packing its 100,000th box of fresh produce since its inception over two decades ago. The Thunder Bay Good Food Box Program, managed by the Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre (NOWC), was established in 2005 to offer affordable fresh fruits and vegetables on a monthly basis.
According to the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), approximately 22% of households in the Thunder Bay district experience food insecurity. The program has become increasingly crucial with the escalating cost of living and a decrease in donations to local food banks, as highlighted by NOWC’s executive director, Katie Bortolin.
Bortolin emphasized that the program caters to individuals with low incomes, fixed incomes, and those living paycheck to paycheck due to stagnant wages and limited government support. Each Good Food Box, priced at $22, contains around a dozen items and is distributed through various host sites.
Run by a coordinator and a team of over 200 volunteers from different sectors, the program emphasizes community connection and mutual aid to ensure access to fresh produce for all. Despite nearing capacity, the program is exploring innovative solutions to meet the growing demand.
Gwen O’Reilly, the former executive director of NOWC, remains involved in the Good Food Box program, which involves purchasing wholesale food to provide boxes at reduced prices. The program operates as a community-led initiative with support from local donors, businesses, and farmers.
Sherry Scott, the program’s coordinator, highlighted the importance of sustaining donors to support the program’s growth. More details about the Good Food Box program can be found on their website, along with a list of local food resources available on the health unit’s website, which is regularly updated for community members.