At the Cambridge Food Bank, we’re continually inspired by the creative and compassionate ways community members step up to make fresh, healthy food more accessible for everyone. One such initiative is led by individuals like Virginia, who coordinate efforts within a local apartment building to orders, and bags to purchase fresh produce baskets from our Mobile Food Market.
I had the pleasure of meeting Virginia earlier this month at the Kinbridge Community Association Mobile Food Market. She shared her process of gathering orders from individuals in an apartment building, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious and affordable produce. Virginia also mentioned she’s not alone in this effort—others across the community are doing the same, forming a quiet but impactful network of support.
Here are three reasons why this initiative is so helpful:
- Increased Access to Fresh, Healthy Food
For some seniors and residents in apartment complexes or in some neighbourhoods, mobility or transportation can be a challenge. By coordinating orders and pickups, organizers like Virginia help bridge the gap, ensuring people have access to fresh produce from the Mobile Food Market. It’s an efficient way to extend the reach of the Mobile Food Market and ensure more people benefit from it. - Strengthened Sense of Community
These efforts foster stronger relationships among neighbours. Collecting bags and orders becomes an opportunity for connection, conversation, and shared purpose, building a sense of belonging and mutual support within the community. - Empowers Individuals to Make a Difference
Virginia and others like her are shining examples of how one person’s initiative can ripple through a community. They show that small actions—like gathering orders or delivering bags—can have a big impact, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
At the Cambridge Food Bank, we’re incredibly grateful for individuals like Virginia who champion health, belonging, and sustainability within their communities. These grassroots efforts align perfectly with our mission of building health and belonging through food.
If you’re inspired by Virginia’s story and would like to organize a similar initiative in your building, feel free to reach out or visit our Mobile Food Market.
Thank you, Virginia, and all those making a difference in their neighbourhoods.
