The Village Resource Centre and the Wheatley Area Food Bank are combining their efforts to launch a new program providing equitable access to fresh and healthy food options.
The Village Pantry, a pay-it-forward grocery, is set to open on July 30.
The new initiative boasts a wide selection of local produce and meats, essential grocery items, and pet and household goods. The pantry strives to be a convenient alternative for residents in the Wheatley area to grab their essentials each week.
Susan Fulmer, Village Resource Centre Inc. founder and CEO, says in a media release, “’It takes a village’ is not just a commonly used phrase – it’s a way of life here in Wheatley…we support one another whenever and however we can!”
The idea was inspired by the Harvest Market, a hosted project that brings local and affordable produce to Wheatley and other communities in Chatham-Kent.
The Village Pantry operates on a similar suggested donation model that helps cover the cost of the item while paying it forward to help cover the cost for neighbours experiencing food insecurity.
The Village Pantry will be piloting this new initiative on Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is expected to widen their hours of operation soon.
For more information about the Village Pantry, contact Susan Fulmer at 226-484-1004 or [email protected].
