The NorWest Co-op Community Food Centre is the first of its kind in Western Canada. It will be the fifth Community Food Centre in Canada, joining similar organizations in Ontario and a national movement that also includes developing Community Food Centres in Dartmouth, NS and Calgary, all of which strive to increase access to healthy food in low-income communities and provide respectful spaces that bring people together to grow, cook, share and advocate for good food for all.
The NorWest Co-op Community Food Centre will provide the diverse multicultural population of Winnipeg’s Inkster neighbourhood with a much-needed community space where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather around healthy food. Many area residents struggle with unemployment, poverty, chronic disease, food Insecurity and social isolation (see Fast Facts on p. 3). The Community Food Centre will provide people of all ages with greater access to healthy food through free community meals, community gardens, cooking classes and groups, education programs for kids, peer advocacy, community engagement and volunteering opportunities. The Centre will extend the existing primary care and social services currently provided by NorWest Co-op Community Health.
The NorWest Co-op Community Food Centre hosts a weekly Filipino Family Cooking Group every Saturday which teach healthy twists on traditional Filipino recipes. To register, phone Abby at 204-806-3972.
“Food is something that connects us all. Our beautiful new Community Food Centre is a dignified space where the community can truly come together. Through the power of good food, we can build health, hope and community in Inkster,” says Kristina McMillan, Community Food Centre Director.
The NorWest Co-op Food Centre will be a positive and transformative force in this community, and we are thrilled to be working with such a knowledgeable and respected partner to bring it to life,” said Nick Saul, President and CEO of Community Food Centres Canada.
Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
