Coronavirus: Winnipeg partnering with co-op to boost food security, opening ‘food hubs’ for farmers

The City of Winnipeg is working with a local co-operative to bring farm-fresh food to Winnipeggers during the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday, Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman announced the city will partner with Direct Farm Manitoba to open several “food hubs” in the city, where farmers can arrange scheduled drop-off and pickup times with Winnipeg customers.

“The impact that COVID-19 is having on our local economy is extending to farmers’ markets that are struggling to safely distribute their produce,” Bowman said in a release.

“Recognizing that food security issues are of particular importance this year, I’m proud to announce that our municipal government is creating additional City locations for use as food hubs.”

Direct Farm Manitoba is a member-owned co-operative of direct marketing farmers and farmers’ markets.

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The first food hubs, which will open in June and continue through to the fall harvest, will be located at Lord Roberts Community Centre’s South Osborne Farmers Market and the R.A. Steen Community Centre’s Wolseley Farmers’ Market.

The city says more locations of farmers’ markets and food hubs will be added in the coming week.

“Winnipeg can count on farmers for safe local food,” Phil Veldhuis, president of Direct Farm Manitoba, said in a city release.

“Our local farmers count on community spaces for markets and delivery locations. We appreciate the City of Winnipeg lending their space so farmers and farm supporters can connect.”

The city is also asking Winnipeggers to take part in Winnipeg Harvest’s Grow-A-Row program, which sees local gardeners donate fruits and vegetables grown from their gardens to the non-profit.

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To encourage Winnipeggers to take part, Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), who chairs the Winnipeg Food Council, says city hall will plant veggies in its flower gardens this year to donate to Harvest.

Winnipeg Harvest CEO Keren Taylor-Hughes said donations are needed more than ever during COVID-19.

“Since Covid-19 struck, our warehouse is focused on packing and distributing emergency food hampers so we are unable to tend our garden this year,” Taylor-Hughes said in a city release.

“Community food drive donations are normally 20% of the food we receive. With gardening season about to begin, growing a row for Harvest would be a great way for the community to help fill our food gap.

“Winnipeg Harvest is committed to ensuring that no Manitoban goes hungry.”

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Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.