New guide aims to increase access to food

A guide has been developed to help improve information shared with those who need to access free or low cost food and meal programs and services.

Service providers and the public are invited to use the guide to access information about emergency food services, meal programs, collective kitchens and cooking classes, food box programs, community gardens and local food initiatives, grocery delivery and transportation services, and student nutrition programs.

“According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, 9.9 per cent of all households in Hastings and Prince Edward counties experienced food insecurity in 2011-2012. This works out to greater than 15,800 local residents,” said the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, in a statement.

“Having access to an adequate supply of safe, affordable and nutritious food is important to our overall health and well-being,” said Elizabeth Finlan, Registered Dietitian with the health unit. “When people are in need of food, the Food Access Guide is a central location where they can go to find the closest food bank or meal program as well as their hours of operation.”

The guide, developed by the Food Security Network of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, and delivered by the health unit, is divided into six geographic areas to make it easier for people to find programs and services specific to where they live.  The areas include Belleville, Central Hastings, North Hastings, Prince Edward County, Quinte West, and South East Hastings.

“It is important information to get out to the public, both for awareness raising and for usable information for those who need it,” said Bev Campbell, board of health member appointment by the County, with Heather Campbell.

While the County document does not list all the available offerings in Prince Edward County, it is expected to be updated regularly.

It includes listings such as local food banks, no cost and low cost meal programs offered by local churches, Community Care for Seniors and The Hub Child and Family Centre (formerly Prince Edward Child Care Services). It also lists student nutrition programs under way at local schools; one farmers’ market and one pay ahead garden goods supply location.

Community Care for Seniors – Click for more information about Meals on Wheels; recreation and luncheon socials. Nutrition services include hot or frozen meals delivered to the door of clients or provided in a congregate setting in the rural parts of the County.

Special diets can be accommodated.

The Hub Family and Child Care Centre – Healthy Food Healthy Families Program for young parents and children to gain knowledge about nutritious food purchasing, preparation and storage. The program is offered monthly and every family takes home a Good Food Box.

The Hub Family and Child Care Centre
10 McFarland Court, Picton
Call 476-8142 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free Soup Fridays from noon – 1:15pm at the Picton Branch Public Library.

This is a partnership project between Food Not Bombs, the Prince Edward Learning Centre and The Public Library.

 
Visit The Hastings Prince Edward District School Board website for more information on the Food for Learning program which provides food to school children in the form of a balanced breakfast, healthy snack or nutritious lunch.

Picton Care and Share Food Bank – open Fridays 9 a.m. to noon and closed holidays. Can be used once a month. Need photo ID, proof of income and expenses.
Picton United Church
12 Chapel St., Picton.
Call 476-8516

Salvation Army Food Bank – open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Closed holidays. Can be used once a month. Need photo ID, rent receipt, income statement and expenses (e.g. food, housing, hydro)
Salvation Army
46 Elizabeth St., Picton
476-3159

Storehouse Food Bank – open Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. or by appointment and open holidays. Can access twice a month for residents of Wellington and district (north part of County).
Storehouse Wellington and District Foodbank
305 Niles St., Wellington
Wellington Pentecostal church basement
399-1450 or 399-1482

Grocery vouchers – Open to County residents in emergency situations. Call for appointment.  Need photo ID and health cards of children.
St. Vincent de Paul Committee
St. Gregory Parish
7 Church St., Picton
476-3371.