By Kiran Rana and Mara Selanders
OTTAWA – What began as a temporary solution has now become an integral part of charity in Canada. But just because food banks have become expected, doesn’t mean their operations have to be. Often thought of as a place for the cans and boxes at the back of the cupboard, food banks are now working with local gardens to bring in fresh produce that their clients need.
To ensure a variety of fresh vegetables, Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard partners with local producers and gardens. Parkdale Food Centre in Hintonburg is not just a place to receive food, but a place to learn how to work with the food they receive and make friends along the way. Parkdale will also become the first food bank in Ottawa to use Link2Feed, software that will keep record of their clients and track neighborhoods where the need is greatest, making recommendations to the city based on the information.
Coordinator Karen Secord says that “food is more than food” and as such, the Centre uses food as a way to address many social problems.