North Simcoe Good Food Box

What is the Good Food Box? The Good Food Box (GFB) is a non-profit fresh fruit and vegetable distribution system created by FoodShare Toronto, and in North Simcoe it is operated by The Karma Project. The GFB runs like a large buying club with centralized buying and coordination. Individuals place orders for boxes with volunteer coordinators in their neighbourhood and receive a box brimming with fresh, tasty produce on a monthly cycle. Customers benefit from the cost savings of bulk buying and time saved by this distribution method. Produce is touched by fewer hands, gets to them faster, and costs less. This means purchasing high quality, fresh food is within reach of many more people than the regular retail system. We choose Ontario-grown products whenever possible because we want to know where and how our food is produced, support local farmers, and reduce the fossil fuels burned. Customers pay the cost of the food itself and some of the delivery costs. Each box is accompanied by a newsletter that offers nutrition information, as well as easy and economical food preparation tips. For more information on the Good Food Box or to find a drop-off near you email goodfoodbox@thekarmaprojectinc.com or call 705-549-5999. How much does it cost? Customers pay $10 for a small box, and $15 for a large box. What's in each box? Every Good Food Box is filled with top-quality fruits and vegetables from local farmers and the Ontario Food Terminal. Each box contains the same mixture of produce, though the contents change with each delivery depending on what is in season and reasonably priced at the time. Our priorities in choosing Good Food Box contents are: quality, value, culturally appropriate food, local and seasonal, sustainable growing practices, reduced packaging, and fair trade. How are boxes packed and delivered? The Karma Project volunteers pack the boxes each week, and our drivers deliver them to neighbourhood drop-off locations, where local volunteer coordinators collect money in advance of delivery, and make sure that everyone gets their box after it arrives. We deliver to libraries, daycares, apartment buildings, churches – anywhere there are 8-10 people who want to buy a box. What are the impacts of this program? Established in February 1994 with just 47 boxes, the FoodShare's Good Food Box program now distributes approximately 4,000 Good Food Boxes each month through about 200 neighbourhood drops. The North Simcoe division distributes between 100-160 boxes each month. Professional evaluation of The Good Food Box shows that participating in the program helps people access a more nutritious diet. It is now thought that up to 70% of deaths result from diseases that have a diet-related dimension, and there is mounting evidence that eating enough fruit and vegetables is key to preventing disease. Not only is it a matter of justice that everyone should have access to the food they need to keep healthy, but it also makes sense because of enormous costs to the health care system that result from treating these diseases. The Good Food Box makes top-quality, fresh food available in a way that does not stigmatize people, fosters community development and promotes healthy eating. Where do I order? You must pre-order before the 7th day of each month, cash only ($10 or $15) Order locations include: 1. North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre - 527 Len Self Blvd - 7days/week 9am-9pm 2. Wendat - 237 Second St. - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 3. Employment Resource Centre Penetanguishene - Village Square Mall - Mon-Fri 9-4:30pm. 4. Waubaushene Library - 17 Thiffault St - Call for hours 705 538 1122 5. Victoria Harbour Library - 145 Albert St - Call for hours 705 534 3581 6. Elmvale Library - 50 Queen St W. - Tues 12-7pm, Wed 12-5pm, Thurs 10-7pm, Fri 10-5pm and Sat 10-3pm 7. Port McNicoll Library - 715 Fourth Ave - Call for hours 705 534 3511 8. Beausoleil Family Health Centre - Mon-Thurs 8:30-4:30, Fri 8:30-2:30pm Where do I pick up my Good Food Box? On the 3rd Wednesday of the month you are responsible for picking-up your box at the location specified upon ordering. MIDLAND North Simcoe Rec Centre 527 Len Self Blvd 12pm-4pm PENETANGUISHENE Penetanguishene Legion 2 Poyntz St 12pm-4pm PORT McNICOLL Port McNicoll Library 715 Fourth Ave 1pm-5pm VICTORIA HARBOUR Victoria Harbour Library 145 Albert St 1pm-5pm WAUBAUSHENE Waubaushene Library 17 Thiffault St 6pm-9pm ELMVALE Elmvale Library 50 Queen St. 12pm-4pm CHRISTIAN ISLAND The Rec Centre After 3pm