PEI Food Share fights hunger through sharing
Islanders who can't find room in the freezer for those leftovers — like that half-pan of lasagna — are enthusiastically sharing them with others using a Facebook page called PEI Food Share.
The non-profit group picks up fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat and prepared meals from homes and stores across the Island and delivers them to those who'd like to have them.
"I saw somebody had a big bag of flour yesterday that they couldn't use," said Food Share founder Christy Morgan.
"Sometimes they're feeling generous and they want to help out and they'll post groceries that they have available. Maybe they've done a lot of cooking and maybe have extra supper portions that weren't served, but they would like to give away to somebody."
Food group growing
Morgan, who's from Charlottetown, started the organization just a few months ago and already has 1,700 members across the Island.
"You do see it really clearly how it does make a difference, and these are the people who may not go to food banks because they're too embarrassed, or because they feel they have been too often, or they don't qualify. They don't think of themselves as being in need, according to society, but they know that they do need the help," said Morgan.
PEI Food Share delivers two to three times a week to one low-income seniors residence, where occupants expressed gratitude for the bags of goodies.
"Extra bread, potatoes, last week we had carrots, this stuff all comes in handy. Even things like these treats, we can't afford to go to Tim Hortons and buy a $3 doughnut," said Dorothy Dedman. She pointed out her monthly government cheque works out to about $10 a day, which barely covers the cost of three meals.
"It doesn't bother me. I'm glad to get something free in my life," added resident Joan Axworthy. "I've lived all my life working. It's time I'm getting free stuff."
The positive feedback is music to the ears of Morgan and her partner Rob Ylkos who often delivers the donations.
"It put a little tear to my eye. It was nice, it was touching to hear them say nice things like that. Makes us feel that it's really worth our while to do this," Ylkos told CBC Island Morning's Pat Martel.
PEI Food Share now has 27 organizers who pick up and deliver food across the Island. Morgan said she carefully screens these representatives to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy.
