Thousands of meals for Windsor-Essex families in need have been created in almost a year.
The Good Greens Food Reclamation Program, an initiative by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), marked its 50th week of operation on Saturday, following the Downtown Windsor Farmers' Market.
When the market closes each Saturday afternoon, volunteers collect unsold produce, baked goods, and preserves from local vendors. The items are sorted, packed, and delivered to seven shelters, food banks, and frontline organizations in the downtown core.
"This is what community looks like," said DWBIA Chair Chris MacLeod. "Good Greens is driven by generosity, by local farmers who give what they can, by volunteers who give their time, and by sponsors who invest in a stronger, healthier community. Week after week, they show up, and because of that, people are fed, food is saved, and hope stays alive."
The Good Greens program also connects local social service agencies to help relieve pantry pressure, reduce waste, and help feed those less fortunate.
The program began in 2023 with a contribution by Libro Credit Union. Since Hydro One provided a significant contribution last summer, the program helped save over 16,000 pounds of fresh produce, over 5,200 pounds of baked goods, and over 47 litres of preserves. From these, about 22,900 meals have been prepared.
Complete information about the Green Goods program can be found on its official webpage.
