Food Resources
Food, a basic human necessity, is more often priced as a luxury. The high cost of housing, coupled with inadequate and low incomes, makes it difficult for some of us to properly feed our families. Other costs, such as transportation, insurance, emergencies, or medical needs are often covered at the expense of our food budgets, because that is often the only budget that you can control. On limited incomes, people tend to consume more carbohydrates, as they are less expensive to buy and quickly fill us up. However, everyone needs a well-balanced diet to give us the nutrition required to fuel our bodies and minds. The following programs and services offer ways to stretch food budgets to include well-balanced, nutritious meals. There is also information about important foods and shopping tips to reduce expenses.
Those looking for emergency hunger relief and other meals, check out Information London’s Monthly meal calendar.
Community Food Programs
Getting and using fresh, nutritional food can be difficult on a low income. Available services offer help with budgeting and planning meals, and may include collective projects such as community kitchens and gardens. You can also visit the Middlesex Health Unit’s Community Food Resources webpage.
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You don’t need any prior knowledge about gardening, as experienced growers can help you plan, design, and care for your garden. The City of London has plots available throughout local neighbourhoods.
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Ontario Fresh provides an extensive list of CSAs and Pick-Your-Own Farms. Search for “Community Support Agriculture” to support local fresh produce or “Pick-Your-Own Farms” to go collect the produce yourself.
https://www.nutritionrx.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Local-Food-Directory.pdf
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Food Banks usually provide a one to three day supply of food, once a month to once every three months, per individual or family. Proof of home address of identification for each family member may be required.
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A buying collective is a group of people (5 or more) who pool their money together to order groceries in bulk and deliver them to one specific site. The idea is that by pooling money, people can gain access to food at wholesale prices. The London Food Co-op offers the largest selection in London of high-quality, organic food and products at 18% above wholesale costs and carries items for specialty diets, vitamins, supplements, cleaning products, and hygiene products.
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“Services or programs that prepare and provide regular delivery of meals to older adults or people with disabilities or other medical conditions.”
Website: https://www.informationlondon.ca/Services/Basic_Needs/List/10107/Meal_Delivery_Services
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The London Recreation Services Spectrum offers year-round sports and recreational programs for children and adults, including summer camps. All programs can be subsidized. However, you must provide a letter from a recognized Social Service agency to confirm your financial situation. You may still be asked to pay 50% or more of the costs. Programs occur in neighbourhoods throughout the whole city.
Local libraries carry copies of their current programs. You can also give them a call or visit their website (click on the headline) for listings. Visit the Play Your Way Fund webpage as well.
Tel: 519-661-5575
Email: recreation@london.ca
Address: 151 Dundas St., 3rd Floor, London, Ont. N6A 4L9
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Meals on Wheels services prepare and deliver regular hot or frozen meals to the elderly or individuals with disabilities. Check the listings to find the service in your area.
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It is important for us to know what our bodies need nutritionally, and how you can acquire that nutrition, particularly on a limited budget. Providing our bodies with proper nutrition improves physical and emotional healthy, energy, concentration, and other helpful brain functions. The Middlesex-London Health Unit offers free services that can help you assess your particular nutritional needs, and make suggestions to your meal planning and preparation.
You can also review Canada’s Food Guide here: food-guide.canada.ca
Harvest Bucks
Harvest Bucks are vouchers redeemable for fresh vegetables and fruit at participating farmers’ markets and small community grocers. A number of community food programs and emergency food cupboards distribute Harvest Bucks.
Other Food Resources
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Flipp is a smartphone app that allows you to view local flyers from a variety of retailers. This app is especially popular for price-matching at grocery stores. You can also find coupons and create shopping lists in the app. Available for Android and Apple devices.
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Odd Bunch is a paid weekly food box subscription, where you can get a box full of fresh produce delivered to your door for a reduced price compared to grocery stores. Delivery fee is $3.99 for London customers.
Customers can cancel subscriptions at any time, view what produce will be in your next delivery, and request refunds, if needed. Odd Bunch began in London, Ontario, and sources produce from Canadian farmers as often as possible.
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Address: 900 King Street, London, ON N5W 2X7
“The Market at Western Fair District is a vibrant gathering place in the heart of Old East Village, bringing together community, food and local artisans. Two floors and over 100 shops make up The Market, each with their own unique product offering. Local vendors bringing you the best local produce, meat, fish, poultry and plant-based foods.”
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Address: 4370 Dundas St. E., Thorndale, ON
Phone: 519-268-3840
Trails End Farmers Market is a one-stop shopping market with over 60 vendors. Shoppers can find locally-grown and locally-made produce, meats, dairy, desserts, and more. They aim to keep their prices affordable to support the community.
Health and Community
How to Make Baby Food Easily (with Chef Katherine From Growing Chefs)
Programs & Resources from LIFE*SPIN
Pocket-Sized Farms: Children’s Summer Gardening Program
One of LIFE*SPIN’s longest-running programs, Pocket-Sized Farms aims to educate children ages 7-12 on food security and the process of growing your own food.
Food Security - LIFE*SPIN Video Resources
LIFE*SPIN Videos on Food Security on how to make baby food easily, cook budget-friendly meals, and more on our YouTube Channel.
Informational Articles on Planting
Learn how to grow and care for your garden from some of our favourite resources.
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The Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) is a volunteer organization that aims to educate beginners and experienced gardeners about garden-related topics, from environmental issues to growing your garden successfully.
Website: https://gardenontario.org/resources/
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Companion planting can benefit your garden if you combine the right plants. Learn what companion planting is and how to do it effectively.
Website: https://www.thrive.org.uk/get-gardening/companion-planting
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You don’t need lots of space to start growing your own food! Learn how to grow your vegetables and herbs in containers.
Website: https://www.thrive.org.uk/get-gardening/vegetables-to-grow-in-pots-and-containers
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An important part of having a fruitful garden is planning it according to your surroundings. Prevent common mistakes new gardeners make while maximizing your current space and resources.