You may be surprised to know that a group of local stores donate unsold food products to ensure those in need in North Bay get nutritional food and meals.
Sean Wilson, Owner/Operator of the Giant Tiger store in Ferris says there are several contributors, and he's privileged to be one of them.
"Last year the Food Rescue Program picked up regular donations from my store Giant Tiger, as well as Freshco, Your Independent, both No-Frills locations, and Orchards fresh food market, as well as donations from the Farmers Market. In total 118,000 pounds of food that otherwise would have been thrown out were instead able to help our neighbours," explains Wilson.
Since his Giant Tiger is more than a grocery store (it is also a small department store) there are other items he can find repurposing for as well.
"Unsold clothing items are donated to a variety of organizations such as The Gathering Place, North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, Crisis Centre & Transition House. I think it's important to look at ways to prevent un-sold items from ending up in our landfills and if we can find them a home that meets a need in the community, that's even better," he adds.
Wilson is especially pleased that virtually nothing goes to waste due to good planning within community groups.
"The best part of the food rescue program is that almost anything can be donated because the items that don't get used for meals at the Gathering Place are also shared with other organizations around the city such as Big Brothers & Big Sisters, the Aids Committee, Nipissing First Nations, Church food banks, and Hope Awaits," he explains.
After seeing what the Gathering Place does, the Giant Tiger owner took things a step forward and got involved on a personal basis.
"I've had the pleasure of playing a small role as a board member over the last year with the Gathering Place. I find it very uplifting to see the passion of the volunteers, organizations that donate, community members that fundraise and of course the staff who work so hard to make it all possible," he adds.
Prior to that he also served meals as a volunteer with the organization.
If like Wilson, you're interested in getting involved with the Gathering Place you can visit their website and look in the "Get Involved" section, or call 705-474-7687.
