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OPEN DELEGATION BY LYNNE RAIMONDI ON BEHALF OF CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, SIMCOE COUNTY BRANCH, REGARDING THE FOOD SECURITY COMMUNITY PROGRAM AT RISK - URBAN PANTRY PROGRAM THROUGH CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION.
Lynne Raimondi, Manager of Funding, Communications, and Volunteers, on behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), provided an open delegation concerning the Food Security Community at Risk, Urban Pantry Program through the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Ms. Raimondi provided a description of the Urban Pantry Barrie as a community food program that provides community gardens, cooking classes, and the Barrie Food Box, which also focuses on food security and access for everyone within the community, in collaboration with more than 20 community partners.
Ms. Raimondi advised that the program has always been hosted by the CMHA and not funded by the Ministry under a mental health an addictions envelope, whereas it has always been funded through various grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which will expire on July 9, 2022, and puts the program at risk of ending.
Ms. Raimondi indicated that the Urban Pantry Barrie needs emergency financial support and requested that the Committee consider a one-time funding in the amount of $215,456 to bridge the gap in funding, create a more sustainable model of delivery, and help with a full integration of the Urban Pantry Barrie into the CMHA’s operations.
Ms. Raimondi stressed that the program is a vital resource to the community for individuals and families who would be, otherwise, unable to access nutritious and healthy food, learn valuable skills around growing and preparing food, and further adding that some Simcoe County residents are being forced to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table.
Members of the Committee asked several questions of Ms. Raimondi, who was later joined by the Director of CMHA, and received responses.