This summer, the René Deleurme Centre (RDC) had the privilege of partnering with Direct Farm Manitoba to participate in the Manitoba Community Food Currency program. This food security initiative supports those facing barriers to accessing healthy, whole foods by working with farmer's markets to provide a special currency that community members can use to purchase directly from local producers. As a community partner, RDC was able to support 20 families through this program, as well as offer transportation to and from the farmer's markets.
The food currency program was a huge success for the LRSD community. Participants were able to find farm fresh produce, meats, and no shortage of quality honey that some would purchase by the pail. Often there would be live music and entertainment, free samples, and friendly faces that really transformed what was initially just supposed to be a grocery trip into a fun experience. When asked what their favorite part of the program was, participants named a few things:
"Being able to shop at fresh food stands, very first experience. I appreciate RDC so much for all the help and ride arrangement, so I was able to shop and participate."
"Picking out my own produce, knowing what my kids would eat, rather than get something I couldn't use."
"The carpool was so amazing. I have mobility issues so I'm not sure how this would have been so accessible without. Access to produce was so great!"
To wrap up the harvest season, participants celebrated with a bountiful harvest lunch at RDC, prepared by the LRSD Community Kitchen team.
RDC is participating in an extension of the food currency program for an additional 32 participants over the course of 4 weeks, which can be spent at the St. Norberts Farmers' Markets.
We are so grateful to Direct Farm Manitoba, South Osborne Farmers' Market, and St. Norberts Farmers' Market for having us, and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future!
