Soup kitchen receives grant for feasibility study

the gathering place
News Release

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On Friday, August 6, 2010, the gathering place, received $7,000 in funding from the Bishop Alexander Carter Foundation. These funds are to be used to conduct a feasibility study regarding the creation and operation of a fruit and vegetable garden for the gathering place. This study will include finding a suitable location, determining start up costs, identifying individuals willing to donate required materials and assist in the planning process and of course calculating operating expenses.

Food procurement is a very challenging task for any soup kitchen. The gathering place's mandate requires that we serve a minimum of 5 vegetables/fruits in each meal we serve, therefore fresh produce is a daily, but expensive, necessity. While the citizens of North Bay are generous with the surplus produce from their home gardens, the gathering place wishes to become more self sufficient in ensuring a consistent supply of fresh vegetables to its kitchens - at least during the growing season.

In addition to the production of produce, the garden will serve to provide volunteer opportunities for our neighbours in need, many of whom wish to "give back" but are unable to find suitable volunteering opportunities to do so.

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