A local program aimed at preventing food waste while serving the community is in need of help.
Community FEWD, “a food equity program dedicated to re-shaping the future of community food by prioritizing Food Equity With Dignity (FEWD), is facing a critical funding shortfall,” a press release states.
While the chef-led organization works to develop a long-term plan for financial stability, it's looking for financial support from community members to keep the kitchen cooking in the meantime.
At least $60,000 or more to grow the program and “create sustainability moving forward so we can get out of this emergency situation, to be able to do the important work that we’re doing,” said chef and FEWD founder Yasi Zorlutuna.
The organization provides meals by donation to those in need throughout Guelph, popping up in places like the North End Harvest Market, the West End Rec Centre and the Double Rainbow Cafe in the Ward.
Since launching in 2022, it has served over 44,000 meals and diverted 50,000 lbs of food from the landfill.
They’ve seen at least a 15 per cent increase in need within the last year, though she said it’s likely more.
Last year, the group was in need of $150,000 to keep serving the community. They applied for $100,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation last year, but didn’t get it.
Besides some fundraisers and $20,000 from the Oak Tree Project in October, she said they weren’t able to secure the money.
Now, they’re turning to the community once again, this time with a GoFundMe.
“It’s not like if we get $150,000 it’s going to solve our problems forever,” she said. “It’s an ongoing thing. And really, we’ve been barely keeping our heads above water.”
Besides the GoFundMe campaign, FEWD makes money through catering services, though the revenue isn’t enough to cover everything.
Zorlutuna said they hope to launch corporate sponsorships and frequent community fundraisers for a more reliable source of funding.
“We are a program at the (Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition); we are able to exist because they have taken us in as a program. But the GNSC doesn’t have any funding for our program – they are also limited in their abilities to raise funds,” she said.
The initial GoFundMe goal was set to a modest $10,000, which was made in just over 24 hours. At the time of writing the fundraiser has made over $12,500 in just a few days.
Any additional funds raised will support the expansion of the program and help it achieve stability into 2026.
“This is not just a food security program. This is a practice of learning what it means to build community … showcasing what can be done when the goal is community and not money,” she said.
“This is about fighting the system through care and networking and resource sharing.”