Greener Village's Game-Changing Food Rescue: Fighting Waste, Feeding Communities

In the heart of Fredericton, a silent revolution is unfolding, one that tackles the twin challenges of food waste and food insecurity with remarkable ingenuity and compassion. Greener Village, a beacon of community support, has transformed its operations through a vital perishable food rescue program, ensuring that perfectly good food destined for landfills instead nourishes hundreds of families.

Imagine mountains of fresh produce, succulent meats, and wholesome dairy products, all safe for consumption yet on the brink of being discarded.

This is the grim reality of food waste, a global issue that sees a third of all food produced lost or wasted. But thanks to Greener Village's proactive approach, thousands of pounds of these valuable perishables are intercepted and redirected to tables across the community.

A cornerstone of this impactful initiative is a powerful partnership with Sobeys.

Operations Manager Keith Jelliffe highlights the daily commitment, with Sobeys supplying between 300 to 400 pounds of diverse, high-quality food, five to six days a week. This consistent flow allows Greener Village to offer an astonishing variety of nutritious items – from vibrant fruits and vegetables to essential proteins and dairy – that are often out of reach for struggling families.

The program, which began modestly with a national grant, has blossomed into an indispensable service.

Director Wendy Wortman emphasizes its broad reach: the centre now serves 600 to 700 families weekly, translating to over 2,000 individuals receiving crucial food support. "It's just such a huge advantage to our clients to get the very best food possible," Wortman remarks, underlining the program's commitment to dignity and quality.

Beyond immediate hunger relief, the environmental benefits are profound.

Every pound of food rescued from a landfill is a victory against climate change. Decomposing organic matter in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By diverting these perishables, Greener Village is making a tangible contribution to reducing the community's ecological footprint.

The impact on individuals is immeasurable.

Families who once struggled to put fresh food on the table now have access to a diverse array of healthy options, improving their nutritional intake and overall well-being. This program isn't just about charity; it's about empowering people, fostering sustainability, and building a more resilient, well-nourished community for everyone.

Greener Village's perishable food rescue program stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets proactive solutions.

It's a testament to the fact that with dedication and community partnerships, we can turn waste into welfare, ensuring no good food goes to waste and no person goes hungry.