MOOSE JAW — As the cost of living including grocery expenses continues to rise, Hunger in Moose Jaw is once again offering its Good Food Box program and residents may be able to save at least 40 per cent when they purchase fruit and vegetables this winter.
The ongoing program operates biweekly from September to June each year and payments are due on the Wednesday before each scheduled Tuesday pickup date.
“The Good Food Box is a bulk buying service open to all residents of Moose Jaw,” said Sharla Sept, executive director of Hunger in Moose Jaw. “Each box is carefully selected and packed fresh on the day of pickup or delivery.”
The Good Food Box program is a flexible community service with no application, subscription, or membership requirements. Anyone can participate by purchasing a box whenever they wish — whether weekly or as needed — with the option to prepay for multiple boxes in advance. The program has seen participation from a number of local businesses and several schools so far.
There is no limit on how many boxes can be purchased and orders of three or more boxes qualify for free delivery.
Hunger in Moose Jaw is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and their families through educational and nutritional programs such as this.
“With the rising cost of food and the increase in food insecurity, we strive to provide the community with a lower-cost option,” Sept explained.
The food box program operates on a simple yet effective model to keep costs low. By purchasing produce in bulk, Hunger in Moose Jaw can offer various box options and efficiently cater to differing household sizes and dietary requirements.
All of the previous food box sizes remain available with the addition of a fruit bag add-on this year.
A large Good Food Box retails for $25 and is ideal for families of three to five members, a small food box retails for $20 and is ideal for small families and couples, and an individual box can be purchased for $12.50.
As well, individuals can enjoy an optional selection of fresh fruits for an extra $15.
“Out of the seven types of fruit and vegetables offered, at least three to four will be standard in every box and we will be rotating through the rest to provide variety,” Sept explained.
“These standard items have been requested through our survey process (and) each box is carefully packed by volunteers and… delivered to the pack site fresh.”
Anyone can support the food box program by purchasing a box of their own, volunteering to assist with Good Food Box packaging, donating to Hunger in Moose Jaw, or simply by spreading the word about the program to those who may benefit most from it.
Payment can be made by cash, credit, debit, or e-transfer as desired. It’s important to note that credit cards are accepted until 4 p.m. on the payment due date and e-transfers are accepted until 5 p.m.
To purchase a food box, contact Hunger in Moose Jaw at 306-692-1916 or via email at [email protected].
All Good Food Box pickups take place at Zion United Church located at 423 Main Street North between the hours of noon and 4:30 p.m.
