Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins (ACT) proudly announces financial support from the United Way Cochrane – Timiskaming for the Good Food Box – Extending the Table project.

ACT was granted $15,000 to support the Good Food Box Program in its goal for sustainability.

The Extending the Table project includes a part-time Good Food Box coordinator, increasing the number of City-wide `Host Sites,` re-invigorating a steering committee, completing a program review, and implementing fundraising efforts to financially support the program.

The Board of Directors of United Way Cochrane – Timiskaming is pleased to be able to provide funding for the Good Food Box with the support of our Timmins’ donors. “A key focus of all United Ways is supporting healthy people and strong communities. Our support of the Good Food Box program contributes to building a healthier and stronger community, and we look forward to the continuing growth of this service.” Jean Warren, Executive Director, also acknowledged the strong partnership formed with Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins since its’ inception. “We have watched them grow into a strong community organization, and have been pleased to be able to work with them along the way.”

The Good Food Box program runs like a buying club. Customers pool resources and take advantage of the wholesale prices and discounts offered by ACT partners. The monthly boxes contain fresh vegetables and at least 1-2 fruit items, as well as a bilingual newsletter that provides a recipe, preparation and storage information.  Customers place food orders with a coordinator at one of fifteen `Host Sites` located throughout the city. Box orders are $12 for a small box, or $20 for a large box, and payments are due anytime up to and including the 1st Thursday of each month. Produce boxes are prepared and delivered to Host Sites on the third Thursday of each month, where customers can arrange for pick up.

Good Food Box orders have risen in the last year, to an average of over100 boxes each month, with the consistency of having a dedicated coordinator overseeing the launch of the new project. With funding received from the United Way grant, ACT has now reached and surpassed the 6000th box packed, since launching the program in 2009. In 2016 alone, ACT purchased $3527 of produce from local farmers, and another $6613 on Ontario-grown produce.

ACT’s Executive Director, Michelle Goulet says the United Way funding has been instrumental in the success of the program. “Without the on-going support, we would not be able to deliver this important program to the residents of Timmins. We celebrate the opportunity to partner with the United Way and further ACT`s work of increasing access to healthy, local, and affordable food through collaborative efforts with farmers, community partners, and our dedicated volunteers.”

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