Good Food Club

The Good Food Club (GFC) was started in 2002 by West Broadway residents who recognized that food is more than a basic human need, it is a rallying point, and an equalizer that brings people together. They felt a critical need in their own lives for improved access to fresh, healthy, affordable food but they decided that every step between growing, harvesting, transporting, distributing, preparing, serving and eating (and composting!) could be an opportunity for bringing neighbours together, to build friendships and community along with improved health outcomes.

Community isn’t built by programs, it grows out of relationships; so rather than start a program in 2002, these residents worked with West Broadway Community Organization to lunch a club, with a sliding scale membership fee and activities created by the members themselves. From field to table, Good Food Club members are engaged in their own food security. Weekly Farm Trips give inner city residents a day together in the country, a hands-on (hands in the dirt!) lesson with a local producer on how food is grown and harvested, earning sweat equity points to be traded later for the food they helped grow. The Good Food Club works with local farmers, providing labour and direct market access in exchange for subsidized food prices. At both summer and winter markets, volunteer club members prepare and distribute affordable vegetables, fruit, meat and cheese to their friends and neighbours, gaining new skills and new relationships.

Membership continues to grow (now over 1500!) and participation in the club’s numerous activities and events has more than doubled in just the past five years. From cooking classes to Good Food Boxes, community feasts to catering events, the Good Food Club harnesses thousands of volunteer hours, creates quality local employment opportunities, supports local producers, breaks cycles of social and economic isolation, all while generating measurable health outcomes and a safer, stronger community.

If you would like to eat great food and meet a full spectrum of the people who live in your neighbourhood please considering becoming a member. All are welcome!