Hastings County committee recommends Gleaners lead food redistribution centre

A Hastings County committee has put forth a recommendation that the Belleville-based charity, Gleaners Foodbank, should be awarded funding to establish and manage an innovative county-wide hub for redistributing excess or donated foods. This initiative seeks provincial funds amounting up to $500,000 aimed at setting in motion this new facility.

The proposed centre would not only serve as a centralized point of collection but also ensure equitable distribution across all regions within Hastings County—a boon particularly crucial considering the identified pockets termed ‘food deserts.’ The committee’s vision for Gleaners emphasizes an efficient and sustainable system that caters to like-minded community partners working against food insecurity. Moreover, this plan underlines proactive engagement in rescuing surplus foods from various businesses—thereby minimizing waste.

Gleaners Foodbank submitted itself as a candidate following the June request for proposals by Hastings County authorities with Jamie Lynne Osmond presenting their comprehensive report outlining plans and objectives of such an ambitious undertaking that would ideally cater to all food-related needs within this expansive region. A new role, alongside existing positions held at Gleaners’ Tri-County Food Warehouse in Belleville—which already processes up to 2.1 million lbs annually—has been proposed for data analysis systems administration.

Key highlights:

• Hastings County committee recommends a centralized hub under Gleaners Foodbank
• Provincial funding sought towards $500,000 mark
• Equitable food distribution across the region addressing ‘food deserts’
• Emphasis on rescue of surplus foods to reduce waste and enhance sustainability efforts

The initiative is yet subject to approval by both county council as well as additional funds being identified through provincial grants. Should this proposal be greenlit in 2027, Gleaners envisions an inclusive system that not only serves rural areas often neglected but also provides a comprehensive database for ongoing food insecurity measures and homelessness prevention efforts.

With the support of Gleaners’ dedicated staff who are confident about their existing capacity to manage such infrastructure expansion effectively without duplicating services currently provided at other community facilities, this proposition promises an efficient approach towards hunger alleviation across Hastings County. Gleaners’ executive director Peter Kerr assures that ongoing operations will be seamlessly integrated into the current framework of food redistribution efforts.

In anticipation for further discussions and potential collaboration with local agencies committed to combating regional issues associated with access to healthy foods—this initiative could signify a transformative step in community support, particularly aimed at those who have felt overlooked by existing services due to geographic isolation or socioeconomic barriers. With this new center coming into action early 2027, it aims not only for food security but also the pursuit of systematic change—a move towards establishing long-term stability and resilience against hunger.

Original Source: Gananoque Reporter - https://www.gananoquereporter.com

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