FREDERICTON, N.B. — A Fredericton community organization will be developing a new perishable food rescue facility to combat food waste.
Greener Village aims to receive fresh food destined for the dump and turn it into ready-to-eat and freezer-stable meals for those in need.
A first-of-its-kind in Atlantic Canada, the goal is to distribute more than $4 million worth of produce annually to more than 70 local food-focused organizations including homeless shelters, community kitchens, school nutrition programs and other charities.
According to Greener Village, 58 per cent of all food produced annually is thrown away; roughly 32 per cent could be saved and repurposed.
"In New Brunswick, we are reaching a tipping point, and we need to urgently look at different ways to meet the immediate need and reduce the ongoing need," said CEO Alex Boyd.
"By connecting with local agriculture and business, we will change how the food bank network relates to the food it requires to help people."
Thanks to the new initiative, anyone receiving food respite from Greener Village will see up to 60 per cent of their grocery box filled with fresh food.
On May 8, Greener Village will launch the ‘Food For Thought’ public panel discussing food insecurity, hosted by Michael McCain, Maple Leaf Foods executive chairman, and Blair Hyslop, president of the Order of the Wallace McCain Institute.
The event will take place from 12-2 p.m. at the Kingswood Lodge in Fredericton with tickets available online.
More information about Greener Village and the upcoming food rescue centre can be found on their website.
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