A food security initiative 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 region experience food insecurity. With the cost of living on the rise and a decrease in donations to local food banks, NOWC’s executive director, Katie Bortolin, emphasized the increasing importance of the Good Food Box program in supporting the community.
Bortolin highlighted the challenges faced by families dealing with escalating living expenses and stagnant incomes, underscoring the program’s role in assisting individuals with low or fixed incomes as well as those living paycheck to paycheck. Each Good Food Box costs $22 and includes around twelve items, with distribution facilitated through a network of over 40 host sites or delivery options.
The program, managed by a coordinator and over 200 volunteers from various sectors, focuses on fostering community connections and mutual aid to address the diverse needs of residents for access to fresh and nutritious food. Despite nearing its operational capacity, the program organizers are exploring innovative solutions to meet the growing demand effectively.
Former NOWC executive director Gwen O’Reilly, who remains actively involved in the Good Food Box program, highlighted the collaborative efforts of partners to purchase wholesale food at reduced prices, enabling the provision of affordable food boxes to the community. The initiative is community-driven, receiving support from local donors, businesses, and farmers.
Sherry Scott, the program coordinator, emphasized the community-led nature of the initiative, with contributions from various stakeholders. The program aims to secure 100 sustaining donors following the milestone of packing the 100,000th box, with a current count of 20 donors. Further details about the program can be accessed on the Good Food Box website, while information on local food resources, including food banks and meal programs, is regularly updated on the health unit’s website.
