The not-for-profit cooperative Eat Local Grey Bruce (ELGB) is facing bankruptcy, unless they can bring in more money and volunteers. The organization made that announcement on Friday.
The board said the organization has become insolvent and is preparing to file for bankruptcy.
A media release said the group was busy during the pandemic looking after the health and safety of staff and ensuring residents had food to enjoy right in their own homes. "Future of Good" picked Eat Local Grey Bruce as one of the top 100 recovery projects in Canada.
ELGB needs new volunteers to bring energy to the organization. The ELGB board of directors already has three new members that are bringing new ideas to the organization. They are looking for a commitment from the community to regularly buy from the organization. That revenue would be used to help pay off pressing debts. They are currently running a fundraising campaign asking for $115,000.
"While the circumstances aren’t ideal, I’m excited to be joining the board for Eat Local Grey Bruce because I strongly believe in their model, their ideals, and their vision" says Kel Smith, the newest consumer member to the board. "Connecting local ecological farmers directly to consumers helps build and grow community resilience which I firmly believe is needed now more than ever. Eat Local offers a solution that is grounded in community. I hope others in our community across Grey and Bruce counties understand this value and help keep the organization alive."
The group is confident they can come up the funding and the innovative ideas needed for a more efficient organization. They plan to host a community visioning event to really engage with the members and wider public. ELGB is made up of consumers, growers and makers of food who support local food production, ecological practices, healthy eating and meaningful employment.
Residents can learn more here.
