A Second Helping of Good Food for Neighbours in Need

Food. Good Food. It’s one of the pillars of life that we can’t live without. Currently in Canada, food insecurity is a major concern for many people. While there are programs and services that provide food to those experiencing challenges, some neighbours need a little extra help to meet their needs.

“I don’t know what I would do without the help of the good folks at The Salvation Army.” —program recipient

Bringing Good Food Home 

In Moncton, N.B., The Salvation Army Community and Family Services (CFS) team helps those in need of Good Food — individuals and families who are unable to access food for their specific needs on their own. With significant support from Feed NB, donors, and many dedicated volunteers, nearly 50 households receive a monthly healthy food box through two different food box programs. 

The monthly food box program started in the Lewis Street area of the city and currently helps 24 families each month. These boxes contain perishables and are often curated to meet the needs of the families being served. Standard non-perishable goods that are available at food banks sometimes fail to meet the needs of those with cultural or dietary restrictions, and other families need items that pack well in a child’s school lunch. The Good Food Initiative and its volunteers help ensure that suitable food can be accessed and consumed by those who need it most.

Speaking to one of the families supported by the program, a father says, “It’s embarrassing to admit you can’t provide for your family. When I first moved here, my neighbour told me that The Salvation Army comes to our street and they will help you. They were right”. 

A similar food box program serves seniors and those with mobility challenges who cannot visit a food bank on their own. The 25 individuals who currently receive this delivery service get more than just food; they also receive friendship. The box drop has turned into a short social visit, giving the recipient a much needed opportunity for connection and companionship.

“I look forward to seeing Charlie every month. He is such a blessing to me and brings me good food which helps me keep my money for medication.” 

One recipient calls back every month to say thank you. 

“Knowing someone is thinking of me each month sometimes means more than the food itself. Thank you so much for always being there and for being so thoughtful about the food I really need. I appreciated the birthday card. I wasn’t expecting anyone to remember.” 

Because of this, the volunteers who make these deliveries are trained to offer Spiritual care. This program is so successful that a waitlist was created for people wanting to participate. Those who are able have also started attending social events at CFS Moncton, which help bring even greater joy to their lives. 

Nourishing Neighbours Outdoors 

In the true spirit of partnership, The Salvation Army and Feed NB work together to give away excess and perishable food in two city parks, whenever required. The Salvation Army does a weekly pick up of food from Feed NB to be used in the food boxes and the CFS emergency pantry (a small assortment of food items for someone in dire need).

Occasionally these perishable items have a short shelf life and need to be quickly distributed to families while they are still fresh. When this happens, a Good Food Drop flyer is sent out to the communities served, and within 24 hours a van travels to predetermined locations in both the Lewis Street and Auburn Circle parks where people come to gratefully take what they need – free of charge. Thanks to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, a new large capacity and branded van is now used for this community program aimed at helping those who are experiencing food insecurity and reducing food waste.

“I used to go days and days without anything to eat. I can’t get out and around to get it, especially in the winter, and don’t have money for healthy stuff,” says one recipient. “Having someone bring it to me is important. I am very, very thankful”.

In Moncton, getting Good Food to those who need it is possible because of the incredible support of the community along with caring and generous partners.  

“I used to go days and days without anything to eat. I can’t get out and around to get it, especially in the winter, and don’t have money for healthy stuff,” says one recipient. “Having someone bring it to me is important. I am very, very thankful”. 

Another adds, “I look forward to seeing Charlie every month. He is such a blessing to me and brings me good food which helps me keep my money for medication”.

It takes a village to sustain a village.  

For more information on how you can help support the Good Food Initiative, call 506-389-9901 or email: MonctonCFS.Info@salvationarmy.ca. 

By Wendy Woodland