In early 2014, a number of churches, community groups and a local school began a conversation about how they could better meet the nutrition needs of Guelph’s north-east community – one of the most under-served areas of the city.
Traditional ways of providing food were found to have limitations, so the group wanted to try something new. They considered a free farmers’ market and imagined people coming to shop for fresh fruit and veggies in a market setting.
The North End Harvest Market now provides produce to more than 200 guests every week since it started. The market has had a positive impact on the community, quickly becoming about more than just food. Musicians come to play, a juice station has been set up, and activities are available for kids.
The market was established as a six-month pilot slated to run until the end of the year. Initial core funding for food purchases was provided by the Guelph United Ministries (GUM), a local collaborative organization of the United Church of Canada. GUM has now agreed to provide funding up to 50 per cent of the expected annual operating cost (approximately $40,000) for 2015. To ensure the market remains sustainable in 2015, the group needs to raise a further $20,000.
The North End Harvest Market is asking the public to consider financially supporting the community initiative. Fresh food and supplies will also be gratefully accepted ‘in kind’.
The North End Harvest Market is a partnership between the Guelph United Ministries, Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, the Upper Grand District School Board and the Chalmers Community Services Centre.
For more information visit www.guelphneighbourhood.org or contact Barb McPhee at northendharvestmarket@yahoo.ca or 519-8351016. Donations can be dropped off at the market Wednesday evenings between 6 and 7:30pm. Monetary contributions can be mailed to:
North End Harvest Market
c/o Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition
10 Carden St., Unit C-3
Guelph, ON
N1H 6N1.
