This year, with the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), Somerset West Community Health Centre conducted a study to explore how to increase food access for residents of West Centretown.
Community members shared that it can be difficult for many low-income individuals and families with no vehicle or with mobility challenges to access healthy and affordable food nearby. This can have a significant impact on physical and mental health.
With funding from OTF, we explored different models to provide affordable, fresh and healthy food that have been successful in communities similar to ours. We hired business consultants from the Centre for Social Enterprise Development (CSED) to study the potential of one or two models to meet the food needs of the neighbourhood.
Food kiosks (in the immediate term) and a community food store (in the long term) were identified as two possibilities for the neighbourhood, that could offer:
Healthy, affordable and culturally-appropriate produce and prepared meals,
Dignified choices,
Easy and accessible locations, and
Community building opportunities
For more information about this project please contact Larisa Cheshire at lcheshire@swchc.on.ca..
Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support of this project.
