Several keen volunteers braved the blowing snow and wind on Friday to help launch Parkdale Food Centre’s backyard garden.
Using newspaper and soil donated from Home Hardware, we planted 75 tomato seeds into small pots. Once the seeds grow into seedlings, some will be planted in the garden and others will be shared with neighbours for their home gardens.
Tom, a master gardener who is also one of the Centre’s cooking workshop leaders, stands in front of the space of our future vegetable garden.
Over the next few weeks and months the site will be transformed into a thriving garden with raised beds, trellises, pots and benches. The garden will be a demonstration site for growing food, and a place to gather to share ideas, inspiration and experience.
Mary, 58, doesn’t mince words when she speaks to a class of Grade 7 students at Fisher Park-Summit elementary school, about the impact being part of the Parkdale Food Centre (PFC) community has had on her.
She has both physical and mental disabilities. She relies on a scooter to get around outside her house and struggles to do even the most basic chores inside her small, cramped home. Most of the shops along her neighbourhood’s main street are not accessible. In order to buy fresh produce and dairy during the winter months, she has to bang on the window of the local Giant Tiger and ask someone to go up the stairs for her. Sometimes, when money is especially scarce, she makes her way to Dollarama for white bread and cheap tins that can be bought.
Mary’s hands shake. “It’s because of the anxiety medicine,” she explains. “I had an abusive upbringing and some not very nice things have happened to me.”
But Mary smiles and tells the students that she is more than just her past. Indeed, is having a happy and rewarding present, because for the first time in decades she feels that she is part of something special. “I feel like I am contributing,” says Mary. “I have lost more than 60 lbs. I am eating better and socializing more. I have made new friends.”
Mary is both a client (neighbour) of the Parkdale Food Centre and a very committed volunteer.
Although Mary had been receiving monthly stipends of food for as long as she can remember, it wasn’t until she began participating in PFC’s Cooking Workshops, in February 2013, that she reports really beginning to look at food as something that could contribute to her overall wellness.
At the PFC, everyone has access to the services of a Holistic Nutritionist. This winter when Mary underwent surgery for breast cancer she was surrounded by a community that was there to help her through. Her PFC friends delivered food to her home. They bought her cotton clothes after the radiation burned her skin. They gave her money for bus tickets so she didn’t miss any appointments.
Slowly, over time, Mary has shared the stories of her life, the small joys and huge challenges. Often she takes the lead in the kitchen, telling other volunteers what to do and where things are located. Although she almost never leaves her wheelchair, in our eyes she is standing taller.
She is well known to most of us at PFC and we enjoy having her around. She encourages others to get involved and has a quick wit.
“If it weren’t for the PFC I would still be eating every meal sitting alone in my room.”
Last week, the Parkdale Food Centre hosted a cooking workshop with Patrick Garland, chef from Absinthe Café. Twenty five people participated, making it the most well attended cooking workshop yet. The menu consisted of foccacia with herbs and olives, chicken cacciatore, carrot velouté and chocolate chip cookies. The workshop was lively and informative, and the resulting meal was simply delicious.
Chopping rosemary for the focaccia
Seasoning the chicken thighs
Blending and straining the carrot soup to get the perfect texture.
Sautéing the peppers, etc. for the chicken cacciatore sauce
Breaking bread.
As one participant put it, “Food always tastes better when eaten with others”. We couldn’t agree more.
Our dream at PFC is to have our own leased van. Many of our neighbours-in-need have mobility issues and would not receive food assistance without transportation to/from the Centre from our staff and volunteers . This becomes particularly essential during the winter. Staff and volunteers have also been using their own vehicles to collect large food donations, frequently from distant suburban or rural locations. In both cases, this results in poor or unreliable access to the Centre for our neighbours-in-need and food donors alike and makes program planning as well as delivery difficult.
We are very excited that the Taggart Parkes Foundation has given us a 3 year commitment to lease a van for PFC that would allow us to pick up our clients, take them to the Centre and back home again, as well as transport large food donations coming from a distance. We are also planning to potentially share the van with neighbouring food banks for similar purposes.
This van is also going to be a “reverse food truck,” accepting food donations at community events. This clever concept has already met with great success in a number of cities, and we had an opportunity this past summer to try this experiment ourselves with a food truck generously loaned by our community partner, Hintonburger. Based on the incredible response, we are now keen to manage our own reverse food truck. A van would make this possible and gives us a “vehicle” to collect community donations and engage the public about community food needs.
Now we need to raise the money to get this van on the road. We aren’t able to use the money donated to us for food to fund this project, so we have added some items to our Reverse Food Truck online in the hopes of raising the money we need through specific donations. Unless we can fund a $6,000 gap, we won’t be able to move forward with this project. The levels are:
Friend $25 Supporter $100 Patron $250 – name on the van (if you wish!) Sponsor $500 – name and logo on the van (if you wish!)
If you could help us get this truck on the road we know it would make a difference to our neighbours in need. Check out the Reverse Food Truck online to donate at one of the levels above, and help raise enough money to cover the ongoing costs of the van.
Update [January 23, 2015] : WOW! After Karen spoke on CBC Ottawa Morning radio on January 22 to talk about our need to raise $6,000 to get the truck on the road, something amazing happened. That very morning a young local neighbourhood family called her up and then delivered a cheque for the entire amount in the afternoon. The Board met that evening and we are full steam ahead and very grateful to be able to move forward with the truck immediately. It will be popping up at events and being shared with other local organizations just as soon as we can order it and get it on the road. This is wonderful news for our neighbours in need with mobility issues. Receiving the entire amount we needed in less than 24 hours from the launch of the appeal is still causing us to stop and smile. What a wonderfully generous community we live in!
As the Chairman of the Board, I had the great privilege to welcome a great crowd of our donors, supporters, and volunteers at the Grand Opening of Parkdale Food Center on Monday, in our new home at 30 Rosemount.
The first time I heard the street name 30 Rosemount was about a year ago, and I did not know exactly where it was or what was there. What a difference a year makes! There is no doubt there were number of us here on Monday that now know every square inch of the lower level of 30 Rosemount.
For all of us involved in building and creating this new space, it has been a most interesting and rewarding experience. It is not often that an organization has an opportunity to start fresh with a completely open space and the ability to design what you want from scratch.
When we look back at a few of the steps that led us here today, I think about:
The process of deciding — was this the right move for us and more importantly was it the right move to support our neighbours and would it be beneficial to everyone?
Working through the financing which in the beginning seemed dubious at best
Creating a vision of the space. What would it look like and how would it function?
Working with Somerset West Community Health Center, who were supportive of our goals and helped us whenever and wherever they could
The people who came forward to offer their time, expertise, services, materials and advice that kept the project moving forward. In many cases, these were free or at cost
Obtaining a Trillium Fund grant to run programs and hire staff for the new space
And, to our staff, volunteers, neighbours and board members who gave willingly of their time to be part of this journey: I simply cannot thank you enough
I would like to stress how important it is to be in the same building as this health center, so our neighbours can be better supported by the full range of health care services that are all under the same roof.
We will continue to foster this relationship with SWCHC to make it a better community for everyone.
Over the coming months we are anxious to develop more programs to use this beautiful space to its full potential. Our neighbours inspire us to keep fundraising to give them more opportunities like the Cooking Workshops, Collective Kitchen and the gleaning project, and of course to provide better quality food.
In the hallway by our entrance, you will notice our Patron Donor Wall. These are individuals or companies who have made donations above $3000 or partnered with us to run major programs. Please take a moment when you visit to check out these amazing supporters of the PFC.
The Community and Space Builders Plaque recognizes companies and individuals who have made a special contribution through both time and money to the renovation of our space and they are:
On site at our grand opening to join us from these two companies were Martin Chenier from Brigil Homes and Jeff Hooper, Owner, Keller Williams Ottawa Realty. We were also joined by Mayor Jim Watson, MPP Yasir Naqvi, MP Paul Dewar, Kitchissippi Ward Councillor Jeff Leiper, members of our board, and a great number of friends, supporters and our neighbours, who did a wonderful job preparing and sharing food they created in our new kitchen.
Thank you all for your incredible support and for being part of this next step for the PFC. This project would not have occurred without significant financial assistance from Brigil Homes and Keller Williams Foundation for Giving – their support paid for most of the renovations, furniture and other start-up costs.
Once again, for those who joined us, thank you for taking the time to make the day so special for us. We are excited about the future and the opportunities that this space will provide for our neighbours.
Don Flynn
Chairman of the Board, Parkdale Food Centre
Groceries can be expensive and this is often the reason why people come to Parkdale Food Centre. Statistics Canada has indicated that the price of fresh vegetables from January to May of 2014 increased by 5.3% and that the cost of meat increased by 7.5% compared to 2.6% and 1.0% for the same products for the same period of time in 2013. That’s a lot.
To help alleviate the stress on our neighbours who want to cook with fresh fruits and vegetables, we’re asking people to sponsor a Good Food Box for a neighbour in need.
The Good Food Box is a non-profit, community based initiative that allows people to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at wholesale prices. It’s open to everyone in our community! Best of all, for as little as $10 you can provide almost a weeks’ worth of vegetables for a single person, or for just $20, buy a big box for a family. The prices are competitive and the produce is mostly local, seasonal and very fresh. You can learn more about the Good Food Box on their website: http://www.ottawagoodfoodbox.ca/?page_id=14.
If you don’t have time to volunteer with the PFC, or have difficulty donating fresh produce, this is an excellent way to make a big difference to someone or a family in need.
There are a two easy ways to sponsor Good Food Boxes:
Donate online through our reverse food truck at http://parkdalefood.reversefoodtruck.ca – you’ll get your tax receipt upon payment. There are options for single month or full year commitments.
Bring a cheque to PFC – please make sure you put the cheque in an envelope with the amount on it clearly stated. Provide your full address so we can issue you a tax receipt.
Every box counts and goes to one of our neighbours who really appreciate it. This is a great way to support local farmers, a local organisation, and a neighbour in need! We currently have a waiting list of people hoping to be sponsored. Since our main food that we give out is emergency food for 3-4 days, adding a Good Food Box on top of a regular order allows people to make it last throughout the month.
As a way to summarize 2014, we wanted to share some facts with you all. It’s been a busy year for us with many changes, and we’re optimistic that in 2015 we can continue to find more ways to help our neighbours.
20
the number of recurring monthly donors we are lucky to have. We appreciate each one of them that give between $10 and $200 each month. We started 2014 with 3 so we are really proud of that increase!
400
the average number of visits per month. We anticipate helping 8600 by the end of 2014. That’s a lot of eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, fruit, vegetables and meat!
87
items purchased since launching our Online Reverse Food truck!! People love being able to choose the exact items they want to donate! Have you seen it yet? http://parkdalefood.reversefoodtruck.ca/
30
the number of cooking workshops held in 2014 with and average of 15 people each session. This means we had more than 450 people engaged in learning to cook! The area’s best chefs come by and volunteer to cook side by side with our neighbours. After everyone’s hard work, all sit down communally to eat. Then our neighbours go home with the ingredients to the recipe to replicate it at home. People are rediscovering a love of cooking!
45
the number of events held by or for us during 2014! We are still finding people who don’t know about us! Our role model is always Mayor Jim Watson, who probably does that many events in just a week, but for us we are proud we’ve popped up so many different places to raise awareness to hunger and the need in our little neighbourhood.
100
the % increase in paid part-time staff. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation we now have 2!!
2064
the number of visits from children this year
25
the number of PFC Patrons on our soon to be unveiled Donor Wall. All have given us tremendous support! It truly takes a village and our patrons allow us to launch new programs, support our goals,and reach more neighbours. We couldn’t run our operations without them.
2
the number of editions of our newsletter, The Fresh Press that have come out this year. Have you signed up yet? Our next edition comes out in January – don’t miss it! You can sign up to the right of this post.
1
the number of moves during the year to a new location! We are truly feeling like 30 Rosemount is a perfect fit for us. Come and visit us so you can see the good work and good spirits in action. We’d be happy to give you a tour.
Friends and fans turned out en masse at the Orange Gallery to celebrate Beyond the Pale’s 2nd Birthday! Rob, Shane and Al had a full crew on hand pouring BTP pints while DJ Devin Atherton spun some sweet 80’s vinyl and kept the dance floor jumping “all night long”! Oh yes, Mr. Lionel Ritchie was in the house.
Union 613 dished out a Fritos flavor fiesta and Holland’s Cake and Shake fogged things up with some beer-spiked ice rocks (dry ice included!) and one deliciously decadent birthday cake!
The Orange Gallery provided the ideal space for a lively and energetic celebration. Work by local artists created plenty of opportunities for interaction and conversation and the original hardwood floors were the perfect platform for a night of non-stop revelry.
Beyond the Pale has been a dedicated supporter of the Parkdale Food Centre from the very beginning and this night was no exception. The event raised $2100 for the Centre’s healthy food programs for our neighbours in need.
Thank you to Beyond the Pale, The Orange Gallery, Union 613 and Holland’s Cake and Shake for being such great community partners and friends. We can’t wait for Birthday # 3!
Among our many firsts this year is this exciting (and extremely generous) news: a PFC patron, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered to match all cash, cheque and online donations to the PFC made between December 4th and December 31st, dollar for dollar to a maximum of $10,000!!!
This is a BIG deal for us. We’re always thankful for the generous support of our community, and donations go a long way towards supporting our neighbours in need. If you are considering making a donation during the holiday season, this is a great time to do it.
Can we reach that $10,000 goal? Help us maximize this generous match!
On a frosty November night last week, Cindy Scott and Roger Bryanton opened their home to friends and neighbours, artists and art lovers at their first “Pop Up” Living Room Art Show in support of the Parkdale Food Centre. Featuring local artists Christopher Griffin and Nicole Allen, the evening was a relaxed and intimate gathering where guests could mingle, meet the artists and learn more about their work.
The evening featured works from Christopher Griffin’s recent collections, including a colorful array of hypnotic nudes, paintings from his ‘Portage’ and ‘Panama’ series and a beautiful caribou etched in cement.
Christopher Griffin’s hypnotic nudes / Christopher Griffin and a piece from his recent Portage Series
Nicole Allen’s work included vibrant florals, forest scenes and her whimsical series of “cheeky birds”, which were snapped up faster than you can say “chickadee”!
Nicole Allen’s vibrant canvases, Cheeky Birds, and bold blooms
While the atmosphere was relaxed, the buying was brisk! Christopher’s nudes were a hot item for pre-holiday shoppers while far-flung friends called in on Skype to purchase several of Nicole’s colourful canvases. The event raised over $2200 for the Centre.
Guests mingle at ‘Pop Up’ Gallery
PFC Board Member Hilary McVey visits with Sue Ann Wright – happy new owner of one of Christopher’s paintings
Karen Secord and Hilary McVey were on hand to mingle with guests and share more information on the Centre’s upcoming move to 30 Rosemount Avenue and its plans for 2015. With the holidays just around the corner, the evening was the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season. Thanks to all of the art lovers who came out to lend their support and special thanks to Cindy, Roger, Christopher and Nicole for their enthusiasm and generosity.
Sincere thanks to Cindy Scott, Nicole Allen and Christopher Griffin for your creativity and generosity
Our dream at PFC is to have our own leased van. Many of our neighbours-in-need have mobility issues and would not receive food assistance without transportation to/from the Centre from our staff and volunteers . This becomes particularly essential during the winter. Staff and volunteers have also been using their own vehicles to collect large food donations, frequently from distant suburban or rural locations. In both cases, this results in poor or unreliable access to the Centre for our neighbours-in-need and food donors alike and makes program planning as well as delivery difficult.
In the hallway by our entrance, you will notice our Patron Donor Wall. These are individuals or companies who have made donations above $3000 or partnered with us to run major programs. Please take a moment when you visit to check out these amazing supporters of the PFC.
Once again, for those who joined us, thank you for taking the time to make the day so special for us. We are excited about the future and the opportunities that this space will provide for our neighbours.
