Centre Wellington Food Bank launches WellFed Wellington

ELORA – The Centre Wellington Food Bank hosted its launch event for WellFed Wellington on Oct. 22. 

This new initiative aims to expand food access countywide through collaboration, local programs and shared capacity with other food banks.

“The work of food banks is pretty integral and unfortunately not going to end anytime soon,” said manager and executive director of the Centre Wellington Food Bank, Curt McQueen. 

During the event, Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Joseph Racinsky spoke to the need to address food insecurity through both government action and community support. 

“It takes all of us, takes government, but also takes community,” said Racinsky, “and that’s what today is all about.” 

The launch of WellFed Wellington comes after a $4.5 million donation from the Balsillie Family towards four foodbanks, of which the Centre Wellington Foodbank will receive $1 million. 

“My hope is that our family’s donation brings more attention to the issues that lead to food insecurity and motivate more members of our community to get to know our local food banks,” said Jim Balsillie. 

As part of the new initiative, the foodbank will be expanding its location into the neighbouring unit at 105 Queen St. W in Fergus.

The foodbank has owned this additional unit for some time and was previously leasing the space out to other businesses.

“Within our walls, I am excited to share that we are moving forward with plans to expand into our neighbouring unit,” said Trish Cameron, a member of the foodbank’s board of directors.

Courtney O’Neill, manager of community impact and systems innovation for the CW Foodbank, said that while they aren’t sure of a timeline, construction in the neighbouring unit will begin next year.

Another part of the initiative will see at least 10 weekly affordable produce markets implemented across Wellington County over the next five years. This will begin next spring. 

“These markets will pop up at a consistent time and day each week, offering fresh, nutritious food at affordable prices,” said O’Neill. 

“Produce will be priced by the individual item wherever possible, because if someone has $5 to spend, they should be able to choose exactly what they need and know what it will cost.” 

Aside from the donation itself, several local organizations have pledged their services and support to the new initiative.

Reliable Ford in Fergus has agreed to donate the initiative’s first vehicle and plans are underway for a refrigerated Ford Transit for mobile food-access projects.

Chalmers Fuels has also pledged to fuel said vehicle.

And Fresh Box Market has offered their expertise and guidance on sourcing, transporting and storing produce at an affordable rate for the weekly pop-up markets.

For more information on the WellFed Wellington initiative, visit cwfoodbank.org/well-fed-wellington.