The Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins’ Good Food Market is more than fresh produce; it offers fresh possibilities to the most vulnerable in Timmins through community support. Every Wednesday, between noon and 2pm, the market pops up at ACT’s downtown office offering high-quality fruits and vegetables at affordable prices.
Here’s the key: when you shop there, you’re not just filling your own basket, you’re helping to fill someone else’s too. Kelsey MacDonnell, ACT’s Executive Director says, “Many people assume that buying from the market might take food away from those who need it most. But the opposite is true. The more customers who support the market, the stronger ACT’s ability to secure grants and vouchers that directly help food-insecure individuals and families in Timmins.”
The market is for everyone. Each time someone shops at the Good Food Market it gives ACT a platform to serve the most vulnerable. A simple purchase becomes a powerful act of kindness and community care.
Supported by local grocers
Each week, local grocery stores Pick of the Crop and Foodland supply the market with fresh fruits and vegetables. By providing produce at wholesale prices, these grocers make it possible for ACT to pass the savings on to their customers. Kelsey says, “For example, we can make a bag of oranges purchased at wholesale even more of a bargain simply by selling individual oranges to consumers at a great price.”
In a world where grocery bills keep climbing, this goodwill gesture means parents can fill their carts with healthy options, seniors can stretch their dollars further, and everyone gets to enjoy good food without the financial strain. Thanks to Pick of the Crop and Foodland, the Good Food Market truly lives up to its name.
In season, the market tries to support local growers as much as possible. At a time when shoppers are determined to support Canadian farmers, the market makes an effort to ensure their produce is Ontario grown. Whether it’s crisp apples, juicy tomatoes, or farm-fresh greens, the market brings the best of Ontario straight to your basket.
Nourishing the community
The Good Food Market is also about building a healthier, more connected community. Ever wonder what else you can do with an avocado or make the most out of what’s in season? The market’s culinary experts have you covered. Kelsey says, “We can offer a fact sheet, and our collective cooking coordinator can help customers with advice and tips. We can get culinary advice for customers for whatever they need.”
Healthy eating habits start young, which is why parents are encouraged to bring their little ones along. While parents shop, kids can enjoy a bag of popcorn while sitting down with food-themed colouring pages. Kelsey says, “We also teach the kids about shopping for produce. For example, we can show them what to look for in a proper mango or melon. It’s a fun way to teach kids while keeping them entertained. We want to engage with people in different ways.”
Every first Wednesday of the month, the market turns up the warmth with a community bake sale with homemade treats made by local residents. It’s a sweet way to connect, support the work of Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins and of course, indulge a little.
Soon there will be more offerings, With the launch of ACT’s commercial kitchen, they plan to host hands-on workshops that might include taking an array of leftover vegetables at the market and turning it into a delicious soup to demonstrate to customers what they can do with the leftovers in their own fridge.
Good Food Market’s beginnings
When the Good Food Market launched with a grant in November 2021, it was targeting populations within a food desert in and around Timmins. They began offering three markets a month; one in downtown Timmins and the others in Schumacher and Porcupine. But as the market took root, it became clear that shoppers loved the downtown Timmins location the most. Kelsey says, “It was more beneficial to be open each week at the same location. The market has grown over the years because we’re listening to the community and evolving to meet their needs. If a customer requests a specific fruit or vegetable, we do our best to deliver that item. This is a community-driven effort to ensure everyone has access to good food.”
Good Food Market Day
At the Good Food Market, each purchase is a way to support the most vulnerable and make good food accessible to everyone.
The monthly bake sale, activities for kids, helpful culinary tips, and upcoming food workshops all create a welcoming space where people can connect. The Good Food Market is about building a thriving community around food.
When a community comes together around the Good Food Market, everyone benefits. The market is open each Wednesday from noon to 2pm at the Anti-Hunger Coalition Office, 187 Cedar Street South in Timmins.
Contact Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins (705) 262-2499 by email [email protected] or by website.