St. George’s has been helping with a team of volunteers packing box and acting as a box distribution centre since the program expanded to Halton Hills about four years ago. It has become a part of what we do to help make a difference in our community. I thought it was about time I wrote a little more about the Halton Fresh Food Box, because we mention it often around church but I know there are probably folk who may not have been around when it started or who have forgotten what it is all about.

So, what is the Halton Fresh Food Box?

Well, the introduction they give about them selves on their website reads,

We are an incorporated not for profit community-based initiative bringing neighbourhoods together to buy a variety of quality, delicious and nutritious fresh fruit and vegetables at wholesale prices. Our goal is to purchase food that is in season and is grown as close to home as possible. We work with cooperation – not competition – with local food producers and retailers.

The Halton Fresh Food box wants to help people in our community to eat better and to eat locally.

Let me tell you, what you get in the box is top quality stuff, and plenty of it. When I am there on a packing day with about 30 other volunteers, including a least a a dozen or more of the good folk from St. George’s, we see it arrive on the truck and often times from the pickup truck or van of a local farmer. Seriously, I have helped a farmer bring in some produce to the packing area in the foyer of the Georgetown Christian Fellowship Church with the morning dew still on it. Now that is FRESH!

This month, even through we are getting later in the season, we were able to put locally grown pears in the box. Of course each month is different and sometimes even surprising if you have never been too adventurous in cooking your way through the produce section before. But no fear, they also include a monthly newsletter with a recipe idea or two. In fact you can check out their blog to read about what is in the box each month.

I think the Halton Fresh Food Box program is great. It helps and encourages us to eat healthy and eat local. It supports local farmers and connects us with the blessing God has given us here in southern Ontario in a real and important way. There is lots of work to be done on packing day, so if you would like to help out you are welcome to join us. If you want to buy a box, you will not be disappointed. Contact our church office at (905) 877-8044 or email us at office@stgeorgesgeorgetown.com to order one. It is good for you in many ways.