A new, pay-what-you-can-afford market puts the high cost of fresh produce back within the reach of Calgarians.
Kin Market and Kin Café were officially launched in Calgary on Tuesday with its simple and straightforward approach to getting things like fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, eggs and other pantry items from Calgarians who would otherwise have the idea to buy for cost let stand. .
“We’re here to fill a gap where, you know, people for whatever reason can not afford groceries, maybe they’ve lost their jobs, maybe they’s single, you know, inflation on groceries has increased, ”Explains Paul Annunziello of the Leftovers Foundation, a food rescue organization that came up with the idea for the market.
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According to Annunziello, food insecurity has increased among Canadians, and dependence on food organizations like Leftovers has grown by more than 70 percent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Actually, we had this … idea, and originally it started before COVID hit,” Annunziello explained. “And now with COVID being here – you know, some of these people are losing their jobs or, you know, they have part-time hours, their budgets are tight – we’re really seeing the need increase.”
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The pay-what-you-want model was created by community with community building in mind.
“This model, it’s really for everyone,” Annunziello said. “It will take both types of people. It’s going to take people who need, you know, only $ 10 for groceries or $ 1 for their coffee, but it’s going to take the next person in line to act and say, ‘I’m going to get a little extra to cover my neighbor’s groceries. ‘”
The market operates with funding from the YYC Food Security Fund and several other donors, including Fresh Routes and the YMCA, which have provided space for the market at each of its Saddletowne and Shawnessy locations.
The volunteer-run Kin Café is fueled by coffee and oil donuts from two local shops and is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – every Monday through Friday – at the Shawnessy YMCA.
“People just want connection,” cafe volunteer Maya Zucchelli said.
“I think I was surprised by the conversations I had with people and the amount of people who want to talk about whatever is going on in their lives.”
Kim Goodwin lives near the Shawnessy YMCA and stopped for a coffee after visiting the library. She said she feels good about paying the full price for the hot drink.
“It’s a neat community initiative to be able to give back in a different way,” Goodwin said.
Annunziello said donations and volunteers are always welcome to help ensure Calgarians in need can continue to have access to fresh and healthy food from the market.
“We want people to be able to shop with dignity,” Annunziello said. “We want people to feel comfortable (so) there is no guilt (and) there is no shame in just getting what they can.”
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Reference-globalnews.ca