Searching for Other Food Security Initiatives

Group of community volunteers and representatives working to reduce poverty by uniting the strengths and passions of people living in St Thomas and Elgin County

Circles - Weekly meetings offering a community of support to build supportive, intentional relationships between people in generational poverty and middle class volunteers * goal is to unite strengths in our community to create life changes for those living in poverty to permanent self-sufficiency and to advocate for changes in the system barriers that keep poverty in place

Getting Ahead - Program for people in poverty * goal is to examine the impact that poverty has on people, families and their communities * structured for adults to reflect on and examine their lives, investigate new information that resonates with them, plan for their future, create ideas for building a prosperous community, and choose a team to help them on their path

Team of community volunteers and agency representatives working to reduce poverty * workshops educate community members and organizations on the factors that contribute to and sustain poverty, as well as the barriers that low-income individuals experience when trying to move beyond poverty

Circles - Program offering a community of support to build intentional, friendship-based relationships between people in generational poverty and middle class volunteers * goal is to gain a better understanding of both the valuable resources and systemic barriers that exist in our community so that people experiencing poverty can have the best possible chance to create life changes resulting in permanent self-sufficiency * Circle members also advocate for change with regard to the systemic barriers that sustain poverty in our community

Getting Ahead - Program for people experiencing poverty * involves work done in a safe learning environment, supported by experienced facilitator and co-facilitator * enables participants (investigators) to examine their own experience of poverty, as well as explore issues in the community that impact poverty (banking, housing, jobs, transportation), providing critical information the community can use to take action to end poverty * guides investigators through an assessment of their own resources, and how to build those resources as part of their move toward self-sufficiency * puts the concepts, tools, and relationships in the hands of people in poverty to make a difference in their own lives and in the life of their community

Collaborative community-based Housing First program * works to improve health and housing outcomes for people experiencing chronic and persistent homelessness

The Street Outreach and Informed Response Team provide the following services:

• advocacy to access services
• campsite tracking and engagement
• first point of contact for people sleeping on the streets
• diversion to natural supports
• support through the housing process
• harm reduction, Naloxone distribution and syringe recovery
  

Housing Selection Workers identify private-market landlords and property groups interested in making apartments available to people experiencing homelessness

Housing Stability Workers provide intensive case management support to people that have experienced persistent homelessness who are now housed

Services and Programs:

• London Cares Resting Place

Multi-disciplinary health and social service organization with five branches providing housing support and alleviation of poverty through emergency shelter for men, family emergency shelter, addiction recovery treatment, community mental health programs, and household needs through our community voucher program

Community Mental Health Programs - Provides support to individuals, and their family members, who are experiencing symptoms of mental illness or addiction, and who may also be experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless

Men's Mission - 146-bed emergency and domiciliary shelter providing accommodation, rehabilitation, crisis counselling and food

Mission Store - Distributes clothing free of charge through the Emergency Voucher Program * sells gently used items in ten departments * sales tax not charged

Quintin Warner House - Men's live-in addiction treatment centre and after-care services

Rotholme Family Shelter - 24-hour emergency shelter for homeless parents and their children. Rotholme can accommodate up to 20 families or 64 unique individuals.

Community collaborator and facilitator of food related projects that promote community gardening sustainability and self-sufficiency * advice and assistance regarding the issue of food security * arranges programs including community gardens, meal planning, and healthy eating advice

Services and Programs:

• Grow, Cook, Learn
• Westview Community Garden

Distributes a monthly meal calendar listing meals and food banks available in the London area

View and print the current month's calendar by visiting the Information London website

Service providers interested in joining the monthly email distribution list to receive the calendar can email:

Kim Loupos
kim.loupos@mlhu.on.ca

Questions about a specific community meal or food bank should be directed to the organization providing the food

Services that are offered through Operation Sharing:

Chaplaincy: crisis counseling, home and hospital visits, advocacy, bible study, and spiritual support * secular and non-secular services offered

Christmas Place Store: Invitational opportunity to shop at minimal cost for families

Coats for Kids / Adults: Donations of new and good condition used coats, boots, hats, and mitts for children and adults accepted year round * special winter outfitting events coordinated by Operation Sharing Woodstock

The Cynthia Anne Centre for Addictions: Individual counselling and group classes

Extended Family Project: Comprised of an individual or family working to get out of poverty and a team of 2 to 3 volunteers * teams focus on interpersonal relationships and moving toward the realization of worthwhile goals * participants are encouraged and supported by volunteers * interactive training and ongoing support.

Food for Friends: Families and individuals in need of emergency food assistance receive a specially designed food card in pre-determined denominations as an alternative or supplement to the food bank * individuals can use these cards to do their grocery shopping at any of the participating grocery stores in Woodstock and Ingersoll

Jackson's Fund: Program to help cover vet bills for people on fixed or low incomes.

The Inn Oxford's Homeless Shelter: Provides shelter for homeless males and females 16 years and older

The Meeting Place Drop-In Centre: Goal of The Meeting Place is to create a safe environment of trust * individuals can drop by for a cup of coffee, snacks, games, a light lunch and talk with staff and build a relationship with members to determine assistance requirements and referrals to community resources * food cards and other services also available through The Meeting Place * Program available in Ingersoll & Woodstock locations

Circles helps people living with low-income to take charge of their life by giving them the right tools and support needed to move up and out of poverty successfully. This can be done through individualized support, the dedication of staff and volunteers, and resources provided by community partners to create an environment that educates empowers and equips Leaders for success. At each meeting, all Circles members enjoy a meal together, connect, share and learn from one another. Members form long-lasting, real relationships built on mutual respect, and the goal of growing social skills, tools and understanding.

Services that are offered through Operation Sharing:

Chaplaincy: crisis counseling, home and hospital visits, advocacy, bible study, and spiritual support * secular and non-secular services offered

Christmas Place Store: Invitational opportunity to shop at minimal cost for families

Coats for Kids / Adults: Donations of new and good condition used coats, boots, hats, and mitts for children and adults accepted year round * special winter outfitting events coordinated by Operation Sharing Woodstock

The Cynthia Anne Centre for Addictions: Individual counselling and group classes

Extended Family Project: Comprised of an individual or family working to get out of poverty and a team of 2 to 3 volunteers * teams focus on interpersonal relationships and moving toward the realization of worthwhile goals * participants are encouraged and supported by volunteers * interactive training and ongoing support.

Food for Friends: Families and individuals in need of emergency food assistance receive a specially designed food card in pre-determined denominations as an alternative or supplement to the food bank * individuals can use these cards to do their grocery shopping at any of the participating grocery stores in Woodstock and Ingersoll

Jackson's Fund: Program to help cover vet bills for people on fixed or low incomes.

The Inn Oxford's Homeless Shelter: Provides shelter for homeless males and females 16 years and older

The Meeting Place Drop-In Centre: Goal of The Meeting Place is to create a safe environment of trust * individuals can drop by for a cup of coffee, snacks, games, a light lunch and talk with staff and build a relationship with members to determine assistance requirements and referrals to community resources * food cards and other services also available through The Meeting Place * Program available in Ingersoll & Woodstock locations

Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre sources, purchases and receives donations of foods from area producers, businesses and wholesalers and redistributes them to food bank and food-aid agencies in Huron County and Perth County (Stratford & St. Marys). Financial and product donations are welcome.

Provide incontinence products for food bank clients in Perth and Huron Counties (including Stratford and St Marys) as well as the HCFBDC Mobile Food Bank program to meet a basic need. Available monthly through mobile program and bi-weekly at the food banks.

2022/2023 Mobile Food Bank (MFB) dates - all are weather dependent:

BRUSSELS - Behind The Barn, delivery made between 9:30 am and 11:00 am. Dates - October 20, 2022, November 24, 2022, December 15, 2022, January 19, 2023, February 23, 2023, March 23, 2023, April 20, 2023, May 25, 2023, and June 22, 2023.

LUCKNOW - Walter Street Housing at 10:30 am, across from the Legion 11 am to 12 noon. Dates - October 18, 2022, November 22, 2022, December 13, 2022, January 17, 2023, February 21, 2023, March 21, 2023, April 18, 2023, May 23, 2023, and June 20, 2023.

HURON PARK - ONE STOP at the former school location, Columbia & Empress Streets, delivery made between 10:30 am and 12 noon. Dates - October 21, 2022, November 25, 2022, December 16, 2022, January 20, 2023, February 24, 2023, March 24, 2023, April 21, 2023, May 26, 2023, and June 23, 2023.

VANASTRA - at the Vanastra CR Church Parking Lot, delivery made between 10:30 am and 12 noon. Dates - October 19, 2022, November 23, 2022, December 14, 2022, January 18, 2023, February 22, 2023, March 22, 2023, April 19, 2023, May 24, 2023, and June 21, 2023.

BLYTH - at the United Church Parking Lot, delivery made between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. Dates - October 20, 2022, November 24, 2022, December 15, 2022, January 19, 2023, February 23, 2023, March 23, 2023, April 20, 2023, May 25, 2023, and June 22, 2023.

HCFBDC began a more focused approach to provide fresh wholesome foods (milk, eggs, meat, fresh fruit & vegetables) as a result of the Tracking, Assessing & Improving the Distribution of Food Aid in Rural Huron County study which was completed in 2018. In addition to the seasonal donations of fresh produce, HCFBDC sources fresh produce throughout the year. In addition to supporting our food-aid agency clients, HCFBDC operates a Mobile Food Bank service in 4 communities (Brussels, Huron Park, Lucknow and Vanastra) as these areas were also identified in the study as areas considered to be food deserts.

COVID19 All staff and volunteers now required to be fully vaccinated including a booster shot, in order to work directly with the public. Those accessing services are not required to show proof of vaccination. COVID19 Community Meals - Monday from 5pm - 6pm; Wednesday 'Seniors' Lunch from 11:30 - 12:30; Friday Market Cafe from 11am - 1pm The in-person, low-cost Access Market has returned to Fridays from 11am - 1pm. The Friday Market Café resumed on Fri, Jun 1, 2022. COVID19 Peer Advocacy office - if you or someone you know is in need of support services for income, access to healthy food, addictions, mental health, domestic violence, housing, tax filing, or just need someone with whom to talk - remote consults available with Community Connector Matthew by appointment. Contact by EMAIL or Ext 1005. Programs and services: Community Health Clinic Fri from 1 pm-4 pm community paramedics, addictions councilors, peer support available. Compost Club - Wed 9 am- 1 pm, learn about composting and food skills regarding food waste Contact: Lucas Tingle 519-3663 Ext 1002, EMAIL Seniors Green Team - Wed 9:30 am-11 am, start your morning by getting your hands dirty in the greenhouse Contact: Lucas Tingle 519-3663 Ext 1002, EMAIL 13 Grandmother Moons - Held on the fifth day after the new moon each month, we will learn about Indigenous ways together and make some handcrafts. Facilitated by Contact: Matthew Maynard 519-508-3663 Ext 1005, EMAIL Seed, Feed, and Lead - Fri 4 pm-7 pm, a fun hands-on program for youth 9 - 13 yrs to learn how to cook nutritious meals. Participants bring home a batch of what they've made to share with their families. Contact: Ben Ingoldsby 519-508-3663 Ext 1003, EMAIL Loving Spoonfuls - Tue 10 am-1 pm, new and expecting parents learn family-friendly recipes and cooking tips along with access to a family health nurse for any parenting questions. Kid friendly environment with activities by Stratford EarlyOn Centre Contact: Ben Ingoldsby 519-508-3663 Ext 1003, EMAIL Welcome Kitchen - Thu 3 pm-5 pm. Program is focused on cooking and eating a communal meal, get together for a small group of individuals being introduced to The Local for the first time. Contact: Erin Innis 519-508-3663 Ext 1001, EMAIL Kids can create their own pizzas cooked in the Stratford Chefs School wood-fired oven in the back garden at The Local. Families of all configurations welcome. Wed 5 pm-7 pm during the summer months. No registration required - just drop in. Contact Ben Ingoldsby EMAIL or call 519-508-3663 Ext 1003 for more information. A community kitchen to prepare community meals and to teach others how to prepare wholesome meals at home. Also provides The Storehouse that accepts large-scale donations from industry and agricultural sector to distribute to not-for-profit agencies, food banks and school nutrition programs throughout Perth County. Have a low-cost produce market, community meal program plus many other community programming around food and advocacy. For current programming schedule see the website HERE Urban Farming at Dufferin Park - Mon and Tue, 5 pm-7 pm. Program looks at urban farming techniques and participants work in teams. Teams share final produce items from the program. Contact: Lucas Tingle 519-508-3663 Ext 1002, EMAIL

Online resource that lists free and low-cost places to get, grow, learn about, and eat food in Brantford and the County of Brant. Lists upcoming events and community projects to connect with others who are involved in the Brant County food system.

Provides packages of healthy food for kids aged 4-14 years with limited or no access to food each weekend

• packages of healthy food are prepared by volunteers and delivered to schools weekly to ensure children have nourishment over the weekend
  
• food package is placed in student's backpack to shield from any stigma associated with receiving food assistance
  
• each child in the home receives their own food package

Nutrition for Learning feeds over 23,000 children and youth in 164 schools in Waterloo Region from Elmira to Cambridge. Investment in students now will result in positive outcomes in the future for them and for the communities. Empirical evidence shows an ability to improve memory and focus in the classroom, all of which increases their chances to engage in the classroom in a more constructive way.

Locations: (This list is always growing so please contact schools to see if there is a Student Nutrition Program available. All programs are universal access)

Cambridge:

• Avenue Road Public School 40 Gail St Cambridge, ON N1R 4M2
• Blair Road Public School 85 Sunset Blvd Cambridge, ON N1S 1A9
• Centennial Public School 100 Weaver St Cambridge(Preston), ON N3C 1W4
• Central Public School 175 Main St E Cambridge, ON N1R 1W5
• Chalmers Street Public School 35 Chalmers St S Cambridge, ON N1R 5B4
• Christ the Kin Catholic School 70 Acorn Way Cambridge, ON N1R 8M5
• Coronation Public School 757 Concession Rd Cambridge, ON N3H 4L1
• Elgin Street Public School 685 Elgin St N Cambridge, ON N1R 7W6
• Galt Collegiate Institute 200 Water St N Cambridge, ON N1R 6V2
• Glenview Park Secondary School 55 McKay St Cambridge, ON N1R 4G6
• Hespeler Public School 55 McKay St Cambridge, ON N1R 4G6
• Highland Public School 125 Salisbury Ave Cambridge, ON N1S 1J8
• Hillcrest Public School 31 Renwick Ave Cambridge, ON N3C 2T5
• Jacob Hespeler Secondary School 355 Holiday Inn Dr Cambridge, ON N3C 1Z2
• Manchester Public School 455 Dundas St Cambridge, ON N1R 5R5
• Moffat Creek Public School 710 Myers Rd Cambridge, ON N1P 0A8
• Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School 185 Myers Rd Cambridge, ON N1R 7H2
• Parkway Public School 436 Preston Pkwy Cambridge, ON N3H 5C7
• Preston High School 550 Rose St Cambridge, ON N3H 2E6
• Southwood Secondary School 30 Southwood Dr Cambridge, ON N1S 4K3
• St Andrew's Public School 65 Victoria St Cambridge, ON N1S 1X2
• St Anne Catholic School 127 Elgin St N Cambridge, ON N1K 5H6
• St Benedict Catholic Secondary School 50 Saginaw Pkwy Cambridge, ON N1T 1Z2
• St Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School 764-780 King St E Cambridge, ON N3H 3N9
• St Elizabeth Catholic School 50 Adler Dr Cambridge, ON N3C 4B7
• St Francis of Assiss Catholic School 60 McDonald Ave Cambridge, ON N1R 4J2
• St Gabriel Catholic School 15 Baldwin Dr Cambridge, ON N3C 0G1
• St Gregory Catholic School 34 Osborne Ave Cambridge, ON N1S 3H1
• St Joseph Catholic School 980 Westminister Dr S Cambridge, ON N3H 1V2
• St Michael Catholic School 1150 Concession Rd Cambridge, ON N3H 4L6
• St Peter Catholic School 92 Avenue Rd Cambridge, ON N1R 1C1
• Stewart Avenue Public School 145 Stewart Ave Cambridge, ON N1R 2V5
• Tait Street Public School 184 Tait St Cambridge, ON N1S 3G3
• William G Davis Public School 530 Lang's Dr Cambridge, ON N3H 5G5
• Woodland Park Public School 555 Ellis Rd, Cambridge, ON N3C 4K2
• Z Beside the Y 256 Hespeler Rd Cambridge, ON N1R 3H3

Kitchener-Waterloo:

• Alpine Public School 75 Lucerne Dr Kitchener, ON N2E 1B4
• A R Kaufman Public School 11 Chopin Dr Kitchener, ON N2M 2G3
• Blessed Sacrament Catholic School 367 The Country Way Kitchener, ON N2E 2S3
• Bluevale Collegiate Institute 80 Bluevale St N Waterloo, ON N2J 3R5
• Bridgeport Public School 59 Bridge St W Kitchener, ON N2K 1K6
• Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute 301 Charles St E Kitchener, ON N2G 2P8
• Cedarbrae Public School 230 Cedarbrae Ave Waterloo, ON N2L 4S7
• Chicopee Hills Public School 300 Chicopee Hills Drive, Kitchener, ON N2A 0J6
• Country Hills Public School 195 Country Hill Dr Kitchener, ON N2E 2G7
• Courtland Senior Public School 107 Courtland Ave E Kitchener, ON N2G 2T9
• Crestview Public School 153 Montcalm Dr Kitchener, ON N2B 2R6
• Doon Public School 1401 Doon Village Rd Kitchener, ON N2P 1A8
• Driftwood Park Public School 50 Parkland Cres Kitchener, ON N2N 1S4
• Eastwood Collegiate Institute 760 Weber St E Kitchener, ON N2H 1H6
• Forest Heights Collegiate Institute 255 Fischer-Hallman Rd Kitchener, ON N2M 4X8
• Forest Heights Public School 255 Westmount Rd E Kitchener, ON N2M 4Z2
• Franklin Public School 371 Franklin St Kitchener, ON N2A 1Y9
• Glencairn Public School 664 Erinbrook Dr, Kitchener, ON N2E 2R1
• Grand River Collegiate Institute 175 Indian Rd Kitchener, ON N2B 2S7
• Holy Rosary Catholic School 485 Thorndale Dr Waterloo, ON N2T 1W5
• Howard Robertson Public School 130 Morgan Ave Kitchener, ON N2A 2M5
• Huron Heights Secondary School 1825 Stratsburg Rd Kitchener, ON N2R 1S3
• J F Carmichael Public School 80 Patricia Ave Kitchener, ON N2M 1J3
• John Mahood Public School 5 First St W, Elmira, ON N3B 1G1
• Langs 7th Inning
• King Edward Public School 709 King St W Kitchener, ON N2B 1E3
• Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School 787 King St W Kitchener, ON N2G 1E3
• Lincoln Heights Public School 270 Quickfall Dr Waterloo, ON N2J 3S9
• MacGregor Senior Public School 32 Central St Waterloo, ON N2L 3A6
• Margaret Avenue Senior Public School 325 Louisa St Kitchener, ON N2H 5N1
• Mary Johnston Public School 475 Brynhurst Blvd Waterloo, ON N2T 2C6
• Monsignor R.M. Haller Catholic School 118 Shea Cres Kitchener, ON N2E 1E8
• New Dawn 90 Fairfield Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 6C1
• Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 70 Gracefield Cres Kitchener, ON N2E 1R9
• Our Lady of Fatima School 55 Hammet St, Cambridge, ON N3C 2H5
• Our Lady of Lourdes School 55 Roslin Ave S, Waterloo, ON N2L 6N5
• Pioneer Park Public School 55 Upper Canada Dr Kitchener, ON N2P 1G2
• Prueter Public School 40 Prueter Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 6G6
• Queen Elizabeth Public School 191 Hoffman St Kitchener, ON N2M 3N2
• Queensmount Senior Public School 21 Westmount Rd W Kitchener, ON N2M 1R6
• Resurrection Catholic Secondary School 455 University Ave W Kitchener, ON N2N 3B9
• Rockway Public School 70 Vanier Dr Kitchener, ON N2C 1J5
• Sandowne Public School 265 Sandowne Dr Waterloo, ON N2K 2C1
• Sheppard Public School 278 Weber St W Kitchener, ON N2G 1H7
• Sir John A MacDonald Secondary School 650 Laurelwood Dr Waterloo, ON N2V 2V1
• Smithson Public School 150 Belleview Ave Kitchener, ON N2B 1G7
• Southridge Public School 1425 Queens Blvd Kitchener, ON N2M 5B3
• St Agnes Catholic School 254 Neilson Ave Waterloo, ON N2J 2M3
• St Anne Catholic School, Kitchener 250 East Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 1Z4
• St. Augustine Catholic School 177 Bismark Drive, Cambridge, Ontario, N1S 4Y2
• St Bernadette Catholic School 245 Lorne Ave Kitchener, ON N2M 3Y9
• St Brigid School 50 Broom St, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
• St Daniel Catholic School 39 Midland Dr Kitchener, ON N2A 2A9
• St David Catholic Secondary School 4 High St Waterloo, ON N2L 3X5
• St Dominic Savio Catholic School 3 Westforest Rd Kitchener, ON N2N 3A6
• St Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School Kitchener 77 Young St Kitchener, ON N2H 4Y9
• St John's Catholic School 99 Strange St Kitchener, ON N2G 1R4
• St Lukes School 550 Chesapeake Dr, Waterloo, ON N2K 4G5
• St Mary's High School 1500 Block Line Kitchener, ON N2C 2S2
• St Mark School 240 Autumn Hill Crescent, Kitchener, ON N2N 1K8
• St. Nicholas Catholic School 525 Laurelwood Dr, Waterloo, ON N2V 2N1
• St Paul Catholic School 45 Birchcliffe Ave Kitchener, ON N2M 4V7
• St Teresa Catholic School 270 Edwin St Kitchener, ON N2H 4P4
• Sunnyside Senior Public School 1042 Weber St E Kitchener, ON N2A 1B6
• Suddaby Public School 171 Frederick St Kitchener, ON N2H 2M6
• Trillium Public School 75 Laurentian Dr Kitchener, ON N2E 1C3
• U-Turn Program Waterloo: 151 Weber St S Waterloo, ON N2J 2A9
• Waterloo Collegiate Institute 300 Hazel St Waterloo, ON N2L 3P2
• Westvale Public School 256 Westvale Dr Waterloo, ON N2T 2B2
• Wilson Avenue Public School 221 Wilson Ave Kitchener, ON N2C 1G9
• Winston Churchill Public School 100 Milford Ave Waterloo, ON N2L 3Z3
• W.T. Townshend Public School 245 Activia Ave Kitchener, ON N2E 4A3

Townships:

• Baden Public School 155 Livingston Blvd, Baden, ON N3A 4M6
• Elmira District Secondary School 4 University Ave Elmira, ON N3B 1K2
• Linwood Public School 50 Pine St Linwood, ON N0B 2A0
• Park Manor Public School 18 Mockingbird Dr, Elmira, ON N3B 1T1
• St Agatha Catholic School 1869 Notre Dame Dr St. Agatha, ON N0B 2L0
• St Clement Catholic School 3639 Lobsinger Line St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0
• St Teresa of Avila Catholic School 69 First St W Elmira, ON N3B 1G5
• St Timothy Catholic School 15 Bechtel Dr Elmira, ON N2P 1T4
• Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School 1206 Synder's Rd W Baden, ON N3A 1A4Wellesley Public School 1059 Queen's Bush Rd Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0

Mobile food truck providing fresh food outreach and support to individuals and families.

A group of CK citizens, business, government and not-for-profit representatives collaborating to find innovative solutions to poverty and building an inclusive community for all members. The poverty reduction initiatives of the round table are carried out by aligning with existing organizations and incorporating poverty reduction strategies into everyday life and work.

Food is acquired from neighbours (residents and the food industry) for neighbours (residents needing food assistance). Food donations (both perishable and non-perishable) are shared with community agencies and hamper programs.

COVID-19 - Providing up-to-date service information for emergency food providers and grocery and meal delivery services.

Provides information on events, organizations and happenings related to food in Chatham-Kent. Information food skills opportunities, community gardens, student nutrition programs, CK Food Strategy and more can be found here. Additionally the CK Meal Calendar and Food Resource can be found on this website as well as an up to date listing on all food banks, soup kitchens, food voucher programs and other community food resources.

The Salvation Army Community and Family Services assists individuals and families in need

• Emergency Assistance: Food - by appointment
  
• Christmas Toy and Hamper Program
  
• Fresh Air Camp for youth
  
• Backpacks for Kids
  
• Fall and Winter Coats
  

Promotes the vision to end poverty in the County of Lambton by * building intentional relationships across class and race lines * identifying barriers that keep people in poverty * implementing innovative solutions * creating effective partnerships to help families * changing the goals of the system to support families and economic change

Getting Ahead Training : Facilitated adult learning experience with groups of 5 to 15 participants a few hours a week over 15 week sessions. Members will analyze the impact that poverty at the individual and community level, complete self-assessments of their resources, and develop a support team with plans to stabilize their environment and move forward.

Bridges out of Poverty Training : One day workshop. Examines the impact of poverty on families, explores social norms in the economic class system, identifies ways to improve relationships, and develops tools for individuals to address specific needs.

It Takes A Village is a community resource centre, supporting people in the application of social justice principles. We have a moneyless second hand store, a self attesting food pantry and help community members navigating paths with addiction, mental illness, hunger and food insecurity and other struggles, to access supportive resources in the community. We assist people to access technologies to enable attendance at Zoom court appearances and other appointments. . Organization has a volunteer team of approximately 30 people. Do not do reference or back ground checks for volunteers, as we hope to give people a safe and supportive environment in which to reintegrate and re establish a current work/volunteering history. Moneyless thrift store is a conduit for what the community wants to give to their people. All items are donated and we are grateful for good, clean gently used items that people would use everyday. In season clothing ( no rips, stains or broken zippers), basic housewares (pots, plates, bowls, can openers), linens(blankets, sheets, towels, kitchen linens and curtains), children's toys/books/DVDs. Please DO NOT drop items off when we are NOT OPEN! It is so important that the community help us to keep our location looking as tidy as the other storefronts!

Self attesting Food Pantry - is a stand out front with food on it, that is free for the taking. There is no need to come in to take food from that stand, and no ID or information is required. It can be accessed once a week. Hours - Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10 am-2 pm, Thu 2 pm-6 pm.

Community Access Market - runs from Jun to Oct, located in Livingstone Park in Listowel.

The Food & Friends Program brings healthy food to hungry minds. Breakfast, morning meal, snack and lunch programs offered throughout Dufferin, Wellington County and Guelph agencies and schools. The goal is to provide an atmosphere of social inclusion among students who may otherwise feel marginalized, aid in decreased disruptive behaviours in the classroom, learn healthy eating habits and built strong social skills.

Each host school/agency offers different kinds of food programs - call for information.

The Poverty Task force works collaboratively, informed by diverse voices of experience, to take local action and advocate for system and policy change to address the root causes of poverty.

Membership and committees include representatives from the social service sector, all levels of government, the research community, business community, community organizations and community members, including peer leaders with lived experience of poverty.

Priority areas include: livable incomes, decent work, housing, homelessness, food insecurity and health inequities.

At times, involvement opportunities are available through committees and projects.

Framework for professionals in all community sectors that addresses the causes of poverty and increases understanding of the hidden rules and culture of poverty * helps to build relationships to create a sustainable community

Bridges Out of Poverty, created by Dr Ruby Payne, is based on the following components:
* economic lens
* definition of poverty
* inequalities in access to resources
* relationships of mutual respect
* people in all classes and sectors need to participate in decision-making
* mental models of poverty
* stabilizing the environment, removal of barriers and building resources
* addressing all causes of poverty
* building long-term support
* building sustainable communities where everyone can live well

Dedicated to strengthening local resilience through projects and events. Helps community create a positive vision for the future and be ready to transition and adapt to the new normal. Projects are initiated by community volunteers and grow according to local needs and resources.

Guided by principles of local resilience: economic vitality, edibles (food and water), engaged community, energy, and environmental stewardship.

Projects include:

• Resilience Festival
• TreeMobile
• Guelph Community Orchard
• Guelph Urban Farm Tour
• The Grow Garden
• Resilience Awards
• Inner Transition
• Guelph Walking Friends
• Intentional Communities Guelph