KAWARTHA LAKES FOOD SOURCE RELEASES NEW 2021-2023 STRATEGIC PLAN

Capacity is being realized at largest non-profit food distribution centre in CKL

Kawartha Lakes Food Source is excited to announce their new 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. Building on the previous strategic plan that came to fruition this year, a new era of feeding opportunity is now being realized at the largest non-profit food distribution organization in the City of Kawartha Lakes!

Operating under the umbrella of Food Banks Canada and Feed Ontario, Kawartha Lakes Food Source is increasing food security in more than 7,500 individuals per month. Kawartha Lakes Food Source is a not-for-profit central distribution centre which supplies food and other household essentials to over 30 member organizations that provide support to individuals in need. Resilience-based programming, food gathering and distribution, and member organization support ensure that everyone has what they need to put food on their plate each day.

“The staff, volunteers, and member agencies associated with Kawartha Lakes Food Source continue to aspire to be the foremost authority on food security issues in the Kawartha Lakes region.” says Kawartha Lakes Food Source Executive Director Heather Kirby. “The 2021-2023 Strategic Plan will guide us as we continue to build capacity to provide needed support for our community.”

Though the backbone of the organization continues to be supporting independently operated member food banks, over time Kawartha Lakes Food Source has developed, delivered and maintained their own innovative programs, including:

Community Kitchen: Includes collective kitchens, cooking classes, garden workshops, and safe food handling certification.

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program: Trained local volunteers support tax filing of member food bank clients.

Emergency Food Relief Bags: Program partners ensure distribution of pre-packed bags where a community member has an immediate and/or emergency need for food.

Family Cooking Project: Local families are given the tools needed to prepare healthy, nutritious, affordable meals at home (including food, equipment, recipes, and support).

Food Bank Milk and Eggs Program: Weekly purchase of milk and eggs for distribution to member food banks.

Grab n’ Grow Program: Provides weekly fruit and milk to 20+ member schools.

Lindsay Community Food Market: Offers hampers, delivery, and shopping style service.  

Open Gardens: Increases availability of fresh and healthy food to community members in need by allowing them to harvest produce any day, any time.

Social Enterprise: KLFS developed brand of locally produced, 7 ingredient, shelf stable salsa. Sales will support KLFS operations and broaden financial stability.

Summer Outreach Lunch Program: A partnership that extends student access to free, healthy bagged lunches beyond the academic year.

Volunteer Program: Provides rewarding experiences and the pride of having aided those in need.

Readers are urged to become involved in food security in the Kawartha Lakes region by donating, volunteering, engaging with the community, and following Kawartha Lakes Food Source on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

You can reach out to Kawartha Lakes Food Source by calling (705)324-0707 or by emailing info@kawarthalakesfoodsource.com.

“Thanks to the dedicated staff and Board of Directors for their work and support toward continuing the vision for Kawartha Lakes Food Source.”  Heather Kirby, Executive Director at Kawartha Lakes Food Source.