"Now she'll walk into the office, wash off a cucumber, and just sit down and munch." This simple joy, a child discovering the wonders of fresh produce, is at the core of Good Greens Food Reclamation Program.
For Christie, the joy her 8-year-old daughter finds in a cucumber is a world away from her own past struggles. "I ended up on the streets...food was hard to come by," she shares, her voice tinged with the memory of hardship. Christie's experience mirrors that of many in the Windsor community, where pockets of food deserts exist, limiting access to nutritious options for those already facing many of life’s challenges.
Good Greens, a Downtown Windsor BIA initiative born out of the bountiful Saturday Farmers' Market, is addressing food insecurity in the community by bridging the gap between abundance and scarcity.
Beyond sustainability: Building a network of care
At its core, Good Greens is more than a food reclamation program, it's a network of caring connections. Farmers like Steeve Bouchard, who lovingly tends to his crops at Bouchard Gardens, find fulfillment in knowing their surplus of produce nourishes those in need. "It's very humbling. It's very satisfying to have this Good Greens program do what it does and help us get our produce to the right people," Steve shares.
The program's volunteers, driven by a shared commitment to community well-being, meticulously collect, sort, and redistribute the rescued food, ensuring it reaches those who need it most. This hands-on approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and empowers individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
For families like Christie's, Good Greens isn't just about having enough to eat; it's about feeling good, having hope, and looking forward to a better future. Her children now enjoy fresh vegetables, showing how the program can help families develop healthier habits. "My kids will go for the vegetables that we get from the Good Greens program before they go for chips or candy." Christie says with pride. "To me, it just sets them up for a healthier life."
A ripple effect of compassion
As an Energizing Life Community Fund recipient, Good Greens is a testament to the power of compassion and collaboration. It's a reminder that when we come together to care for one another, we create a ripple effect of positive change that nourishes not only bodies, but also the soul of a city.
Be a “Good Gardener”
Good Greens also runs an elementary school program called the Good Gardener that teaches elementary school kids about the joy of growing vegetables and the benefits of eating locally grown produce. In the very first visit, kids are provided seedlings to begin their own green journey.
“There are so many vegetables that kids and their families can easily grow at home. In Southern Ontario, leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and kale, root vegetables such as carrots, radishes and beets, fruit-bearing vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers and legumes like beans and peas all do well. Plus, herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano are great for supporting the local food chain,”
Debi Croucher, executive director
Downtown Windsor BIA
Discover some fun ways in which you too can grow your own good greens (and colours of the rainbow)
Good Greens – Downtown Windsor BIA has distributed over 1,902 pounds of fresh produce and 1,669 wholesome meals to vulnerable groups in their local community by enabling caring connections between local farmers, small food businesses and non-profit organizations.
