The Sharing Place Food Centre welcomed the community into its new space Thursday — space that is clearly needed to deal with the increasing demand for its services.
During an open house, executive director Chris Peacock told those in attendance the centre feeds 1,200 people a month, “and those numbers are growing.”
Since the organization moved into its new home at 95 Dufferin St. earlier this year, it has seen about 200 more families per month come through the doors.
More than 12 per cent of the community is considered food insecure, he said, adding, “That’s why we exist as an organization.”
With income not keeping pace with cost-of-living increases, “it’s getting worse every year,” Peacock said.
“Our members wish they could afford healthy food. Healthy food is expensive. The processed food is cheap,” he said.
The new facility makes it easier for the Sharing Place to address those needs.
Visitors on Thursday got to tour the spacious building, where they saw the large walk-in freezer and refrigerator — items that wouldn’t have been able to fit in the previous space on West Street. A $53,300 Ontario Trillium grant helped with the purchase of the freezer.
Getting the new building up and running was a community effort, Peacock explained. Everything from the flooring and paint to a refrigerated truck was donated.
“It is amazing, this community and how committed you all are to helping,” he said.
What used to be known as the food bank is now known as the food centre. That reflects the various programs and services the organization is now able to offer.
“Everyone knows us for the food bank,” Peacock said, but added the Sharing Place also has a garden club, kitchen club, a healthy school snacks program and more.
One of its newest services is the community resource desk, where clients can receive information about local support organizations such as the Green Haven Shelter for Women and Agilec employment services.
One of the main focuses of the Sharing Place right now is the “community food experience centre.” A capital campaign is underway to help transform a large, open space where programs can be offered to the entire community, not just those who are showing up to receive food.
“So, we’re not done yet,” Peacock said, encouraging people to contact the Sharing Place at 705-327-4273 or through its website at sharingplaceorillia.org.
The icing on the cake
A little girl with a big heart is doing her part to help.
Lucy Goodman, 7, is no stranger to assisting the Sharing Place. Last summer, the Orillia girl raised $230 selling lemonade in front of her house. On Thursday, she showed up with the first of what is sure to be many “birthday boxes.” They contain cake mix, icing, balloons, a banner and a cake pan.
“When kids come for a birthday box, they can have them to make their birthday special,” she said. “I want to help kids who don’t have enough money to afford a birthday.”
“It broke her heart when she learned people couldn’t afford a birthday celebration,” added her mom, Nicole Goodman.
The boxes, while free to clients, cost the Goodmans about $11 each. Lucy and her mom plan to visit local grocery stores to see if they’ll support the cause.
