Not Just A Food Program -

Making a Difference in Oshawa (Bi-Weekly News - Issue 2)

The past couple of weeks have highlighted the diverse ways we support our community here in Oshawa. While our core mission involves providing food, we understand that sometimes, meeting people where they are is just as important.

Recently, due to a temporary closure at Front Porch Mentors, we conducted additional street outreach to ensure individuals who rely on their sandwich days didn't go without a meal. It was a rewarding experience to connect with familiar faces and even meet new individuals. These moments on the "front lines" remind us of the direct impact our program has. However, to sustain and expand our reach to even more people in need, we must continue to focus on building consistent and accessible support systems.

We're excited to share significant progress in our efforts to enhance the nutritional value of the food we offer. Our first planting of Red Salad Bowl Lettuce is underway! Soon, fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-rich lettuce will be added to our sandwiches. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to empowering individuals with knowledge about their choices. We're developing plant profiles and wellness information related to the food options within our program. This includes exploring various plants that can be grown for meals and, in the future, even offering teas. Our hydroponic growing system allows us to pursue this commitment to health and wellness year-round, not just seasonally.

Building a program like this takes time, dedication, and the support of our community. It's a journey that has been years in the making, and we know that continued growth and the realization of our long-term goals will enable us to assist an increasing number of individuals in Oshawa.

To further strengthen our efforts and ensure we can continue to serve our community effectively, especially with the upcoming summer vacation season, we are actively seeking more volunteers. Whether you're interested in helping to make sandwiches or assisting with deliveries, your contribution can make a real difference.

Interested in lending a hand? Click the banner below to learn how you can volunteer!

We extend our sincere gratitude for the consistent and direct support shown to the Not Just A Food Program. It truly underscores that a strong community is essential to provide the necessary support and address the gaps within existing services here in Oshawa. This support manifests in many vital ways, from the provision of a safe and certified kitchen space for preparing sandwiches to the generous donations of essential supplies like bread, deli meats, and even cooked turkeys for meals.

It's important to remember that our program goes beyond just providing food. We also strive to offer basic necessities such as socks, clothing, and other crucial items for individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. It is through our collective efforts, working hand-in-hand, that we can deliver this vital support to those most in need within our community.

We also want to encourage everyone to support the local small businesses and organizations that we collaborate with for the betterment of our entire community. To learn more about these local heroes and the incredible work they do, including links to their websites and social media accounts, please visit the links below:

Discover more about the valuable contributions of these community partners!

What Supplies We Need:

• Sandwich Bags (600)
• XL Gloves (100)
• Child Snacks (2-5 Year Olds)(enough for 30 Meals)
• Snacks (6-16 Year Olds)(enough for 50 Meals)

Special Request:

• Squares Rubbermaid 2.9 Cups or 669 ml Containers & Lids (Package of 4). We are seeking 100 packages, found at the Dollar Store for $3.75 each. These containers will be used for our microgreen program to enhance the nutritional value and freshness of lunches, aiming to reduce plastic bag usage and improve food handling. This initiative encourages active participation in improving food quality and supports those showing a commitment to their health and wellness journey.

Thank you for your continued support! Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of our neighbours in Oshawa.