The Golden Food Bank (GFB), with generous funding from the Town of Golden and the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District’s Economic Opportunity Fund, is seeking to partner with local producers to supply fresh, high-quality produce for its hamper program this season.
The GFB is committed to providing nutritious food to community members and aims to purchase a combined total of $15,500 worth of priority produce from local farms and producers within a 75km radius of Golden. This can include producers who have not been to market yet.
“We are excited to work directly with our local farmers and producers,” says Sameena Darr, Program Manager (Deputy Director) of Golden Food Bank Society.
“This initiative not only ensures our clients receive fresh, healthy food but also supports our local economy. We are grateful for the support of the Town of Golden and the CSRD’s Economic Opportunity Fund, which makes this possible.”
The GFB is looking to establish mutually beneficial supply contracts with standard wholesale pricing, eliminating the need for charitable discounts. Interested producers are encouraged to contact Melissa Hemphill, Procurement Network Coordinator, to discuss potential partnerships and create supply contracts that meet their needs.
Priority Produce Items:
• Top Priorities: Peppers, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
• Secondary Priorities: Garlic, carrots, cabbage, zucchini, snap peas, beans.
• Tertiary Priorities: Broccoli, kale, greens.
• Meat Purchases: Also considered.
“We want to build strong relationships with local producers,” says Melissa Hemphill. “We are committed to working together to create contracts that are fair and sustainable. We encourage all interested producers to reach out.”
Producers interested in supplying the Golden Food Bank are encouraged to contact:
Melissa Hemphill, Procurement Coordinator Email: melissa@goldenfoodbank.ca Phone: 250-814-3207
About the Golden Food Bank:
The Golden Food Bank is dedicated to providing food assistance to individuals and families who are facing food insecurity within the Golden and Area A community. We strive to ensure access to nutritious food and support the well-being of our community members.
Funding Partners:
• Town of Golden
• Columbia-Shuswap Regional District’s Economic Opportunity Fund
