Fresh vegetables, local produce and affordable prices are bringing more people through the doors at Community Health Centres of Northumberland’s growing food market program.
What began as a successful affordable food market in Port Hope has now expanded into Grafton and Colborne, helping more Northumberland residents stretch their grocery budgets while still accessing healthy food.
Joelle Pegg, Food Market Coordinator with Community Health Centres of Northumberland, says the program grew because the need was clear.
She says the model is intentionally different from a traditional grocery store.
The goal is simple: to help people dealing with rising food prices while supporting local agriculture at the same time. Grants, donations and volunteers make that possible.
Pegg says food security, or the lack of it, is affecting more people than ever and not always in obvious ways.
Some families are struggling to afford enough food, while others are simply being forced into cheaper, less healthy choices because grocery prices keep rising.
The markets help address both.
Markets are held every other week on Tuesdays in Grafton at the United Church on Danforth Road and Wednesdays in Colborne at Mystic Avenue Yoga Studio on King Street East.
Upcoming dates include May 5 and May 19 in Grafton, along with May 6 and May 20 in Colborne.
Pegg says everyone is welcome to shop, and those who can are encouraged to donate change at checkout or support the program online.
CHCN is also hosting a Plant Sale Fundraiser on Thursday, May 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 99 Toronto Road in Port Hope.
Heirloom tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, herbs, pollinator flowers and more will be available, with all proceeds supporting CHCN food programs.
Pegg says it is another simple way for the community to support healthy food access close to home.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
