The Falls Food Hub
In 2019 The Table became involved in talks to form a food hub in Smiths Falls that will be built on The Table’s model. This community hub would offer healthy meals, and other diverse programs and services ensuring a safe, inclusive space for community members to interact and build relationships.
According to Statistics Canada data, nearly 25 percent of individuals in Smiths Falls are considered low-income. In addition, 18 percent of the population receives support through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works. Based on the work of the Leeds Grenville and Lanark Health Unit, we know that people living on social assistance or working minimum wage are unlikely to be able to afford basic expenses including sufficient nourishing foods. This was the case even before the sharp increase in housing and food prices of the last 2 years.
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The Hub aspires to be a casual drop-in place where community members can enjoy good food, conversation and friendship, while accessing other much-needed resources.
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The Falls Food Hub grew from a need in the community, and has been championed by several partners, including the Table, Rideau Community Health Services, Trinity United Church, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church and the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. To date Canopy Growth Corporation and the Town of Smiths Falls have provided funding to kick-start The Falls Food Hub.
Community Lunch Program
In January 2023 we launched a new community lunch program in Smiths Falls. The lunch program aims to reduce local food insecurity — all while feeding a need for social connection.
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The community meals are held at Hanley Hall every Monday and are the first steps to launching the Falls Food Hub, which is expected to provide a one-door model to help curb food insecurity, offer education and access to community resources. The community meals also serve as a place where people can connect with services offered through Rideau Community Health Services (RCHS), a local non-profit, community-governed health, and social service agency.
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Location of the Falls Food Hub
The Table secured a location of the Hub in June 2023 and is working on plans to outfit the space with the necessary infrastructure including a commercial kitchen, accessible washrooms, food storage, and dining room. The location is at 41 Chambers St. in the same plaza as the Giant Tiger. We are looking forward to getting to work with the renovation project in late 2023.
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For further information, please contact:
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Ramsey Hart, Executive Director, The Table Community Food Centre
613-267-6428 ext 108
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St. John's Anglican Church Community Garden Project
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Does Smiths Falls need another community garden? Is 2 George St. South a good location for an ew community garden? How would a new community garden here operate? These are questions The Falls Food Hub is exploring with the members of St. John's Anglican Church. You can share what you think in an online survey or join us for a discussion at the Parish Hall (2 George St. S) on Tuesday June 4th at 7pm.
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