Every community needs access to healthy affordable foods to meet the nutrition/health needs of all its members.

With the Halton Fresh Food Box all residents of Halton region, but particularly those living on limited incomes, seniors, and new Canadians, have improved access to good quality, mainly locally grown, more affordable fruits and vegetables delivered right to their own neighbourhood. There are over 27,000 people living in Halton region on limited incomes which compromise their ability to feed themselves and their families a healthy diet. Food support programs are very challenged to incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables in their donation boxes. Less than 35% of Halton Region residents eat the recommended number of serving of fruit and vegetables per day which is a key indicator as to why the incidence of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity are so high. Increased access to fruit and vegetables, along with educational materials and community support are intertwined n the Halton Fresh Food Box program. Our vision is “Healthy Food for All”.

Who does it serve?

Any household in Halton can purchase a food box. The only requirement is that you come to a neighbourhood pick up site, pre-order and prepay for your box. However the program does strategically operate to focus making the boxes most accessible to families who face the real challenges in accessing fresh fruits and vegetables. These residents are often those living on limited incomes and with poor access to transportation; new Canadians and seniors.

Presently over 70% of households who receive the food box are living on limited and fixed incomes; 7% are new Canadians facing financial challenges due to poor employment opportunities and facing the challenge of lack of familiarity with locally grown food; while 23% are purchased by households who want to eat healthier and prefer locally grown produce. Customers receive an average of 50% more produce for their dollars than if they shopped at their local grocery store.