Struggling residents in five priority neighbourhoods in Windsor will soon have access to fresh produce on the weekend with a new program launched by The UHC Hub of Opportunities and Caesars Windsor.
On Friday, officials from both organizations launched the program at Mic Mac Park while distributing veggie hampers to residents experiencing hardship.
The Caesars Windsor Cares Mobile Food Pantry, made possible with a donation of $8,045 from Caesars Windsor, will distribute bags of fresh produce every Saturday throughout July and August.
"With the escalated cost of food and transportation, individuals and families have limited access to food banks and nutritional meals, especially over the weekend," said UHC Hub of Opportunities CEO June Muir.
The produce comes from local greenhouses and would otherwise have gone to waste.
It helps farmers reduce operating costs and prevents greenhouse gas emissions.
"Our Caesars Windsor Cares program is committed to providing resources to strengthen the community," said Susanne Tompkins, the public relations and communications manager at Caesars Windsor. "We are delighted to be a partner with the UHC Hub of Opportunities, and our employees are proud to be part of this program. Many of them are passionate about giving time, money, and skills to address the issues facing our community."
The pantry will help about 5,000 people and their families.