A food rescue organization in Centre Wellington is helping reduce food insecurity.
Every Wednesday, a group of volunteers from the Centre Wellington Mobile Market come together at Melville United Church in Fergus to prepare, cook and deliver meals to those in need.
“And each week, everyone is just full of smiles and laughter. When you interact with the volunteers, you see the bonds they’ve made,” said co-founder, Morgan Short.
“And you know that at the end of the day, these meals are going to people who need them.”
It all started in spring 2022 when Short met with her now,-mobile market partner Sue McPhedran.
“We began thinking of ideas of how we could source wasted food that is still safe for consumption, food that would otherwise go to the landfill. How we could get this food into people’s bellies, people with food insecurity in Centre Wellington?” Short said.
“So, we brainstormed. We were both just so eager to figure out ways to help.”
The Centre Wellington Mobile Market began to offer fresh produce last summer.
“The produce was sourced from gardens at my work, Royal City Nursery,” Short said.
“And we also had fresh baked bread as well.”
Short and McPhedran began reaching out to clients from a previous organization that had delivered meals during the pandemic.
“So, we already knew of folks who were in need, who were either lacking in mobility or on a fixed income,” McPhedran said.
“Things really took off at Christmas time, and we were able to make 55 turkey dinners.”
Short and McPhedran soon discovered their eligibility to rescue food from Second Harvest, a national organization that accepts donated surplus food from manufacturers, wholesalers, processors, and retailers.
“They make it available in a central location and then various community organizations can have access to it,” McPhedran said.
McPhedran says there have been various initiatives in the area to help reduce food waste.
“For us, it’s also about helping people in need, and if there is food that’s not being used, it doesn’t seem to be a big stretch to give it to the folks who are finding it difficult to pay for their groceries,” she said.
“We thought there must be a way we can make it work. And we have these amazing organizations that rescue food and make it available to folks like us.”
With rising food costs, Centre Wellington Mobile Market has experienced an increase in the number meals being delivered every week.
“We had met with social service organizations in Centre Wellington and asked for client lists, of people that they thought could benefit the most,” Short said.
“And week by week, we’ve certainly been seeing an increase.”
Currently, volunteers are preparing between 60-80 meals a week and offering them to residents in Centre Wellington communities of Fergus, Belwood, and Elora.
“There is definitely a need. And the need is far more than just here in Centre Wellington. We have our boundaries. But I’m sure a program such as ours would be welcome in other communities.”
With each new week, comes a new inventory of food at Centre Wellington Mobile Market.
“Morgan creates a poster, and we put that on our social media with instructions on how to request a meal. People can email us or leave us a phone message,” McPhedran said.
“For the first time last week, we emptied our freezer. For me, that felt good, but at the same time, it was an ‘oh my gosh’ moment. But thankfully, it’s full again,”
Providing frozen meals is the core of what the mobile market offers.
“But there are some really lovely things we have been able to offer because of our partnerships with different organizations,” McPhedran said.
“Last week, we were able to get a flat of mini cucumbers from Second Harvest and someone made hummus. We just got fresh strawberries from the Centre Wellington Food Bank. So, if there’s an add on like this, it’s such a nice treat to be able to give.”
Shepherd’s pie and meatloaf are continued favourites.
“It’s comfort food. We get a lot of people who are just over the moon to have a home cooked meal and not having to worry about where its coming from or having to pay for it. There has been a lot of great feedback from clients,” Short said.
Recipes often get creative based on what interesting items might appear.
“We received a big bunch of plums. So, we made chicken with a plum sauce after someone found a recipe. And that got rave reviews," McPhedran said.
After receiving a flat of bananas, protein banana pancakes were soon on the menu.
“We immediately we had requests for more. Kids were eating them frozen as a snack. They are healthy, nutritious, and tasty,” McPhedran said.
“We get tons of emails with people saying this is such a great service and thanking us. They are even thankful for the delivery driver who always comes by with a big warm smile.
“Since moving to Melville in April, we have made over 700 meals.”
Centre Wellington Mobile Market has about 14 dedicated volunteers who are eager to help every week.
“We have a google doc calendar and people sign up when they are available. There are lots of new friendships made here,” McPhedran said.
And with ‘mobile’ in its name, Short says the organization is trying to be as mobile as it can be.
“We have five different locations where we are going to pop into and set up shop this summer. So, people can pick their orders up from us closer to home," Short said.
The Centre Wellington Mobile Market will also have some staple food items available such as canned goods and fresh produce.
Volunteers at the mobile market say they enjoy working together, week after week.
“I like the teamwork. It’s fun. And we laugh a lot,” said Terri McDonald.
Wendy Donahue says she is happy to help knowing that food is not going to waste.
“And I love knowing that people who need it, are getting it, and really appreciate it," she said.
Angie Reynolds says everybody wins.
“We love what we are doing. Food is not being wasted and the food is nutritious. It’s a win win for everyone,” she said.
Short says Centre Wellington Mobile Market is building on something that is needed in the community.
“Knowing that we are making a difference, it’s a great feeling,” Short said.
“And it just makes us want to do more and more, every week.”
For anyone who would like to support Centre Wellington Mobile Market with financial donations, contact [email protected]
