Fredericton, NB: After boldly announcing that it will build the first Perishable Food Rescue Centre of its kind in Atlantic Canada, Greener Village, the largest food and social services charity in New Brunswick and a community-driven organization dedicated to addressing hunger and promoting food security in the greater Fredericton area, has unveiled the THRIVE fundraising campaign set to take this project across the finish line this fall.
At the sold-out Food for Thought: A Candid Talk on Food Insecurity with Michael McCain and Blair Hyslop luncheon, presented by ANBL and held at Kingswood Lodge in Fredericton today, Greener Village CEO Alex Boyd was thrilled to announce the THRIVE Campaign fundraising goal of $6.3 million. He and campaign Chair Blair Hyslop excitedly shared that they have raised $4.583,070, already hitting 73% of their fundraising goal. And now, they’re inviting the public to get involved.
“Food insecurity is no longer a problem that only affects a small percentage of the population of New Brunswick,” shared Boyd. “The ripple effect of food insecurity is being felt across our province, and we urgently need to identify new and innovative solutions to solve this problem. By inviting the public to
be a part of our THRIVE campaign, we’re giving everyone the opportunity to be changemakers in their
community and to play a role in helping us make this dream a reality. By coming together to make this Perishable Food Rescue Centre possible, we’ll be able to distribute over $4 million in food each year to New Brunswickers who need it most.”
The province is supporting the project by contributing $489,000 toward the renovation of the existing building, including greenhouse improvements and the expansion of the learning kitchen. The province is also providing $496,310 for the construction of the new Perishable Food Rescue Centre.
“We are pleased to partner with Greener Village on this first of its kind Perishable Food Rescue Centre,” said Kris Austin, Minister of Public Safety. “Organizations like Greener Village are providing incredibly important support to individuals and families in the Fredericton region. They are also innovative, and I wish them all the best with the THRIVE campaign launched today to support the new centre.”
Today’s Food for Thought luncheon conversation between Michael McCain, executive chairman of Maple Leaf Foods and honorary Chair of the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security and Blair Hyslop,
acclaimed business leader, co-CEO of Mrs. Dunsters Inc. and President of the Order of the Wallace McCain Institute, focused on shedding light and educating New Brunswickers on food security, poverty reduction, and the economic implications of these challenges for our province. The THRIVE Campaign is set to help New Brunswick turn the tide on these issues in the coming years.
“Thriving communities start with individuals committed to making a difference,” shared campaign Chair Blair Hyslop. “Leading the THRIVE Campaign was a natural choice for me – it’s about fostering resilience, igniting hope, and building a future where everyone has enough to eat, and the opportunity to flourish.”
The Perishable Food Rescue Centre will be located on-site at Greener Village and receive, recover, transform, and distribute fresh foods that are destined for waste by turning these products into
value-added, ready-to-eat and freezer-stable items that can be redistributed to over 70 food-focused organizations throughout the province. Greener Village is also partnering with Food Banks Canada, who are eager to be a part of such an innovative and impactful project with the hopes that there is potential it can serve as proof of concept in other regions of the country.
To learn more about Greener Village and the THRIVE Campaign and become a part of history, visit
www.greenervillage.ca/thrive-campaign.
About Greener Village:
Greener Village started as the Fredericton Food Bank in 1983 and was incorporated in 1989,
becoming one of the first food charities in the Greater Fredericton Area. In 2012, the Fredericton Food
Bank transitioned to its new building on Riverside Drive in Fredericton and developed a Learning Kitchen, Community Gardens, and the Unique Boutique. It also began operating under the name Greener Village. Today, Greener Village is the largest food and social services organization in the province, providing 125,000 meals through 2000 grocery boxes monthly and receiving, purchasing and distributing approximately $2 million worth of food each year.
Media Interviews & Inquiries:
Crystal Richard
Publicist
crystal@crystalrichard.com
506-860-0956
