From Hunger to Hope.
That is the theme of the Good Greens food repurposing program, and recently in Amherstburg, a local producer was part of a big boost from Hydro One.
At Bouchard Gardens, owner Steeve Bouchard announced the initiative that was started last October, and now with the grant from Hydro One’s Energizing Life Community Fund, will continue.
Good Greens started at the Windsor Downtown BIA Saturday Farmer’s Market where those who are experiencing food insecurity can get fresh Essex County fruits and vegetables. Bouchard Gardens was one of the local producers who were part of Good Greens.
“This program means a lot to myself and my family. Thanks to Hydro One we can continue to do it. We take a lot of pride in this,” said Bouchard.
According to BIA executive director Debi Croucher, the need is increasing. She explained they did a one-month pilot project last fall and in March, along with six other agencies and began Good Greens on a regular basis.
“The program buys produce from the vendors. We repack it and repurpose it to the agencies. To date, we have reallocated over 6,000 pounds of produce,” said Croucher.
Windsor Ward 3 Councillor Renaldo Agostino said that Good Greens is an example of the community coming together to solve a problem.
“Without Hydro One this program doesn’t happen. It helps the people in the downtown who need it the most,” said Agostino.
Hydro One’s Energizing Life Community Fund is committed to supporting organizations and communities by funding projects that focus on physical, psychological and emotional safety of Ontarians.
Essex County Deputy Warden Joe Bachetti said that Good Greens is an uplifting program and it shows that there is a strong urban-rural bond in the region.
Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy said food insecurity in the area is a big concern.
“It’s unfortunate we have to do this but the reality is we need more of this,” said Bondy.
Local producer part of new program
By Fred Groves