Food Security
- Food Box Program: The NRFRC offers a food box program to 24 families (households with children under the age of 19) in the community that provides a box of fresh, local, in-season fruits and vegetables from local farmers and community members. This program is offered monthly from April to November. Call 902-689-2414 for more information.
- Seed Kits: Each spring we offer residents of New Ross a seed kit usually containing the following: Yellow Beans, Green Beans, Carrots, Peas, Beets, Lettuce, Pumpkin, Kale, and a few transplants. This program has a maximum capacity set at 40, please call 902-689-2414 when registration opens.
- Community Cupboard: This is free and open to anyone, during our usual business hours, for those who need pantry & hygiene items, or if you have something to donate. There are no limits or restrictions. We can not guarantee anything being ‘in stock’ or know when/if it will be back.
- Free meals for Families – A partnership with the Forties Community Centre: For families who have children under 19 living at home, come by the Resource Centre and get your coupon to receive a free, home cooked meal during the Forties Community Centre’s monthly suppers. You may choose to eat there or request take-out.
- School Garden: The NRFRC plants with the children at New Ross Consolidated School. There are several raised beds where we grow food for the community and school cafeteria!
History of Food Projects in New Ross:
The New Ross Community Food Project began in 2014, as a community-based initiative to build community food security. The project began with a Community Food Assessment, which showed that the community has a lot of strengths to build on and opportunities to grow. The strong farming, gardening, and traditional skills were highlighted, along with the desire to work together, learn together, and share food knowledge together, along with skills and resources. From there, in 2015, a community group formed with partners, farmers, and community members to work towards building a more food secure community.
Funding was received from the Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage for a variety of programs in 2018.