The County Foundation is thrilled to announce the recipients for the PEC Helping PEC Fund on June 2nd, 2023.
The PEC Helping PEC Fund provided financial resources to organizations and groups delivering food and health supports to vulnerable Prince Edward County communities experiencing post pandemic pressures.
Right Photo (Left to Right): Scott Whitelock, Melissa Tran, Robyn Cakebread (Prince Edward Learning Centre); Cristina Cadavid Gamble (Community Development Council of Quinte); Cherie Hardie (Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation); Darlene Thompson (The ROC); Gillian Armstrong (The County Foundation).
Left Photo: Prince Edward Learning Centre – PEC Fresh Good Food Market
The PEC Helping PEC Fund was started from funds raised from the community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It received an overwhelming response with a total of $207,234 raised by 219 donors.
2023 Grant Recipients
- The Prince Edward Learning Centre – PEC Fresh Good Food Market
The PEC Fresh Good Food Market has 2 locations in Picton and Sophiasburgh. This community market makes fresh fruits and vegetables accessible to everyone at affordable prices. Everyone is welcome to use the market and it is open to anyone who would like to visit. - The Community Development Council of Quinte – Good Baby Box Program
The Good Baby Box Program provides families of infants and toddlers access to healthy, nutritious foods early in life. For a nominal fee, participants can purchase formula, diapers, and baby care items on a weekly basis at The HUB Child and Family Centre in Picton. - The ROC Youth Centre – Hot lunches & after school snacks for participants
The ROC ensures lunches are available to those in need, throughout the school year, as well as meals and snacks during all other programming. - The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation – Food for Learning Program and Nutritional Cupboard at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute
Food for Learning provides supports student nutrition by providing breakfast, snack and lunch programs through the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. The
Food Insecurity in the County
- 1 in 5 Canadians reported going hungry at least once between March 2020 and 2022. (Food Banks Canada)
- 23% reported eating less than they needed to because they did not have enough money for groceries.
- This suggests that ~ 6,000 PEC residents are potentially affected by marginal to severe levels of food insecurity.
- On average local food bank usage increased by 22% in 2022 in Prince Edward County.
