A food program in Morden is aiming to improve upon what it offers each month.
Many Hands Resource Centre is tweaking its BAG (Better Access to Groceries) program to provide recipients with a bit of a better overall package of food.
“Previously, the BAG program was more of a surprise each time, as it depended on what produce we received from local stores that week. People didn’t always know what to expect,” said executive director Mariyam Tsygankova.
“What’s new now is that we’ve introduced a bit more consistency and choice. Each bag will include some staple items like potatoes and onions, and participants can now choose between a couple of fruit and vegetable options to add to their bag.
“So there’s still some variety but also a bit more predictability and flexibility for people.”
The BAG program is offered the last Monday of every month, and it is currently limited to about 30 bags each time. The price remains the same at $10 for a bag with the option of a yearly registration for 10 months at a cost of $80.
What has changed now is that each bag will be guaranteed to have potatos and onions along with the choice of two fruits and two vegetables. Tsygankova voiced her thanks to both Kroeker Farms and Gardenland Co-Op for their help in allowing this program to grow.
“We’re able to do this thanks to local store discounts and some donated produce, so we pass that value directly to local families,” she explained, noting their mission with this program remains unchanged. “The program is about making healthy food more accessible for everyone. It’s non-emergency. This program is for everyone—not just food bank clients.
“Many Hands is sometimes seen as having a stigma,” she suggested. “A lot of people think we are just a food bank and that we only work with the vulnerable population. In fact, a big part of what we do is prevention, so we run many non-emergency programs that support people in different ways, and the BAG program is one of them.
“Our goal is to promote healthy eating and make groceries a little more affordable at a time when food prices keep rising. Even here in Manitoba, we are seeing food costs go up faster than overall inflation.
“So this program is for everyone … working families, seniors, anyone who needs access to fresh food. It’s about supporting people in everyday life, not just in crisis and creating simple and practical ways for our community to stay healthy and connected.
Tsygankova noted they also do emergency food support, but “programs like this are about something different. They’re about making sure people have access to healthy food as part of their normal lives, not just when things become urgent.”
Pick up is the last Monday of every month from 4-5:30 p.m. at the 500 Stephen Community Centre.
Registration forms are available on the Many Hands website, and payment can be made by cash, cheque or e-transfer to info@manyhandsrc.com.
