It’s been a productive time for the Delta Food Coalition in the face of COVID-19. That’s according to a recent city social planning memo to council, which provided an update on the DFC programs to improve food security in Delta.
A network of community groups working together, the Earthwise Society is a leading agency for the coalition, having piloted a food recovery program in partnership with Food Mesh, United Way Lower Mainland and South Delta Save-On-Foods stores.
In the first month of the program, more than $13,000 worth of food was rescued and re-distributed to community partners serving vulnerable populations.
In October, the program saved more than 9,000 pounds of food.
The program ran for 12 weeks, from Sept. 8 until Nov. 28.
The Earthwise Society has applied for additional funding through the United Way to continue offering the program in Delta.
“Food security looks at problems of food waste and inequitable distribution, nutrition, health and obesity, and poverty,” said Earthwise Society in the memo. “Building a sustainable regional food system is an important goal in achieving long-term food security. To achieve food security, every member of a community must be able to make food choices that sustain personal health and wellbeing and where our current consumption does not reduce our ability to meet the needs of future generations.”
In addition, since July, Earthwise has created and delivered 705 food hampers to Delta residents in need.
Its shared harvest program has also generated 2,000 pounds of produce donated by residents with an excess of fruit produced in their backyards.
Currently, DFC network agencies are working together to operate programs to address emergency relief in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Earthwise states, noting the DFC functions as a food hub, sourcing fresh, local food and distributing it to people in need, while connecting individuals and families in need with the appropriate community food programs.
For more information check out: earthwisesociety.bc.ca.
