Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

ACCESS TO FRESH FOOD

Mount Paul Community Food Centre’s affordable produce market aims to boost food security

Feb 13, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — You’ve likely noticed an increase in your weekly grocery bill, particularly when it comes to fresh produce items.

In response, the Mount Paul Community Food Centre (CFC) in Kamloops has created an affordable produce market.

The market is stocked with bulk fruit and vegetables the centre buys from NuLeaf Market, and fresh bread. And according to Mount Paul CFC Manager Dawn Christie, prices average around 80 per cent less than what most grocery stores would charge.

“The intention behind it is to promote local food and healthy food,” she explains, adding the program has been running for months now and organizers are working to spread awareness about it.

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“[The] feedback we get is that it is making a difference in people’s lives and that they’re able to consume more healthy vegetables and fruit and that it is making a difference in their physical and mental health,” said Christie.

On an average day, the market will see between 50 and 100 customers coming through. And to keep food as easy to access as possible, Christie says there are no pre-qualifications or paperwork required to shop at the centre — anybody can use it.

“And so in a barrier-free setting, we allow people to dictate themselves how often they come to the Community Food Centre, and when they come to the Community Food Centre,” she adds. “All of those things are a personal choice, and so we’re just here to offer the support when they need it.”

The market is cash only, and runs twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m at 140 Laburnum Street on the Kamloops North Shore.