The utility’s Energizing Life Community Fund will help Good Greens Food Reclamation Program increase access to locally grown produce, support farmers and small food businesses and minimize food waste
Essex County, ON August 15, 2024 – Today, Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) and the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (BIA) announced the extension of their Good Greens Food Reclamation Program through 2024 with funding from Hydro One’s Energizing Life Community Fund. Before receiving the grant, it was unclear if the program would be able to continue past June 2024.
To date, the organization has reclaimed more than 6,400 pounds of fresh produce and served more than 10,000 wholesome meals to vulnerable groups in their local community by enabling caring connections between local farmers, small food businesses and non-profit organizations.
Steeve Bouchard, owner and operator of Bouchard Farms in Harrow, is one of many farmers across Essex County who sells produce at the farmers’ market and sends the excess to the Good Greens Food Reclamation Program where it is distributed to families in need. Other participating farms are located in Amherstberg, Cottam, Essex, Ruthven and more.
“We put a lot of love into our crops, and when we have a good harvest, it’s very fulfilling for me,” said Steeve Bouchard. “It’s hard for me to understand a lack of fresh produce because it’s so accessible to us here on the farm. We’re overjoyed with the Good Greens Program, it’s a fantastic program and it’s very humbling. It gets our produce to the people who need it. It means a lot to us, and I know it means a lot to them and their families.”
First introduced in October 2023 as a pilot program, the Good Greens Food Reclamation Program volunteers work with the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market to collect unsold produce, baked goods and preserves that would often be discarded, and instead offers them to organizations like the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families, and the Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative at a reduced price or as a donation.
“This grant from Hydro One has provided our organization with the funds needed to sustain and grow this vital program so we can continue to support the local economy and low-income residents,” said Chris MacLeod, Chair, Downtown Windsor BIA. “For the families most at risk of food security, Good Greens isn't just about having enough to eat; it's about feeling good, having hope, and looking forward to a better future.”
“Hydro One is incredibly proud to support Downtown Windsor BIA’s Good Greens Food Reclamation Program in their work to strengthen the local economy and connect the most vulnerable community members to healthy foods,” said Robert Globocki, Vice President, Customer Experience, Hydro One. “Vendors like Bouchard Farms show that when we come together to build caring connections with one another, we create a ripple effect of positive change that nourishes not only bodies but also the soul of a community.”
The Downtown Windsor BIA is one of the 35 Indigenous communities, charitable organizations, and municipalities that each received $25,000 through Hydro One’s 2024 Energizing Life Community Fund.
Some examples of this year’s Energizing Life Community Fund grant recipients include organizations that are working to create a more inclusive community through interpretation and translation services; providing a supportive environment and resources for families with young children; delivering programs and experiences that equip girls to overcome serious barriers; and providing a supportive community for adults with different challenges to develop friendships, purpose, and new skill sets.
To learn more about the Energizing Life Community Fund, visit HydroOne.com/EnergizingLife.
Quotes
“This is a wonderful and important program that we, in Essex, are proud to help facilitate through farms and small food businesses across the town. Thanks to this support from Hydro One, Bouchard Farms will continue to bring positive change to people in their own backyard while improving the health of our community’s residents.” - Sherry Bondy, Mayor, Town of Essex
“As a member of the Downtown Windsor BIA’s board, this program is very near and dear to my heart. What started as an incredible initiative can now continue as an indispensable part of the Windsor-Essex community thanks to the Energizing Life Community Fund grant from Hydro One.” - Renaldo Agostino, Ward 3 Councilor, City of Windsor
“The County of Essex applauds Hydro One, the Downtown Windsor BIA and the participating vendors for supporting the Good Greens Food Reclamation Program. This initiative is strengthening the important urban-rural connections in our region. It is a shining example of how we look after each other.” – Joe Bachetti, Deputy Warden, County of Essex
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