Nutrition Month: local initiatives to combat food insecurity
As part of Nutrition Month in March, we would like to highlight the best and brightest in our community when it comes to healthy eating and food security. This time, we are saluting the wonderful local programs and initiatives that are actively helping to combat food insecurity in our community.
In Sutton, we believe that everyone should have access to healthy, sufficient and nutritious food, year-round and at a reasonable price. This is the foundation of food security. Our community is blessed with abundant agricultural resources. From fresh vegetables and fruit to local meats, honey and maple syrup, Sutton is rich in what we grow and share. Many admirable local initiatives are already in place to support our population’s food security.
Key programs in our community
- The Food Bank, an essential resource for families in need: the Food Bank of the Centre d’action bénévole de Sutton (CAB) provides provides assistance with food and hygiene products every month. This free service is available to Sutton and Abercorn residents, upon registration, on the third Monday of the month, from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Food Rescue Table, to reduce food waste and foster a resilient local food system: the Food Rescue Table, every Tuesday at 4 p.m. from May to October, offers a variety of fresh produces and frozen meals, donated by community partners and local farms.
- Meals on Wheels, which delivers a hot meal directly to seniors, people with reduced mobility, people in convalescence and new mothers in Sutton and Abercorn. Run by volunteers from CAB Sutton, the service provides over 1,200 meals a year, including soup, main course and dessert, for $5.
- The Frigodon, a community refrigerator initiative supported by the CAB: everyone is invited to leave or take foodstuffs as they can, in a spirit of mutual aid and sharing.
In addition to these wonderful initiatives, there are some exciting things happening at our local school!
- Sutton School’s cafeteria kitchen was renovated last year, and Racine Pop,the organization that manages the cafeteria under the direction of Rachel Hughes, became an accredited caterer for the La cantine pour tous program. Thanks to this program, 140 children at the school receive healthy, balanced meals every day at prices ranging from $1 to $6, depending on parental income. These meals are certified by a nutritionist to ensure the highest quality. The cafeteria even provides meals for the children of the Jardin d’enfants de Sutton, which are delivered to them every day thanks to the dedication of a CAB volunteer.
- CAB Sutton’s School Snack program also offers a healthy snack each week to students receiving homework help.
- New! Last October, our school inaugurated the Communo-Serre, a geothermal greenhouse that will serve as both an educational laboratory for science students and a hands-on introduction to gardening and food security for children. This exciting project is designed to teach future generations the value of sustainable agricultural practices.
Another great community activity in the service of nutrition
- Sutton also has a beautiful community garden located along the bike path on municipal land. Since 2014, members have been cultivating 25 plots, 7 of which are raised planters. Each member pays a small membership fee and commits time to preparing the gardens at the start of the season. The organization currently has a waiting list, but those interested in benefiting from a plot can email [email protected].
These initiatives need your support!
These remarkable local initiatives would not exist without the support of non-profit organizations and the dedication of volunteers. However, they rely heavily on community support and donations. One way you can help is either by getting involved as a volunteer, or by making a donation. If you care about food security for the children, families and seniors of Sutton and Abercorn, you can contact the organizations directly. Thank you for your support!