New Amherst Community Resident's Till Soil for Fare Share Food Banks

From left to right - George Leger, Executive Director Fare Share Food Banks; Mayor Gil Brocanier, MPP Rob Milligan and New Amherst Principle, Max LeMarchant launch New Amherst's Community Garden called Victory Garden.

Cobourg - Dignitaries and residents of the New Amherst Community were on hand as Cobourg's Town Crier rang out the news of the launch for a new and very special community garden. People are working to grow their own produce preferring fresh and locally grown food over imported. But the difference is that residents have designated a portion of their garden for Fare Share Food Banks. Community members have adopted a garden of their own and take shifts tending several plots for the food bank. As plants mature and are harvested from their own plots surplus is shared with the food banks. There are even designated individuals who make the added effort of delivering produce to the banks doors.

Rob Milligan applauded the effort of the New Amherst community in establishing the garden and demonstrating that they can make a difference by giving back. Mayor Brocanier presented New Amherst with a certificate commemorating the launch of the community garden and spoke about how this sort of enthusiasm truly builds community. Executive Director George Leger thanked the attendees and said “that it is the initiative shown by New Amherst residents that make the work of the food bank possible, that the bank is always in need of food and the more that the bank takes in, the more it can give out. Special thanks to all of the residents of New Amherst Community. Fare Share Food Banks believes that you will serve as an inspiration to others.”

New Amherst Principle, Max LeMarchant and Marketing/Communications Director, Kim Miller presented the banks with some fresh food items to be donated to the bank. Only recently Fare Share has been afforded the luxury of accepting produce contributions since it has added a large refrigerator unit in the Cobourg bank.

With the nearly 2500 people that the bank serves on a monthly basis, adding fresh vegetables goes a long way to assist in the allocation of nutritious choices for those in need.
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