• HSCA is ending the free food portion of the Sustainable Food Program, and the focus will shift to be on low-cost produce.

• After extensive research, HSCA has chosen to strategically invest our resources into community connections, and low-cost food partnerships.

• Monday August 26th, 2024 will be the last day that free food will be offered as part of the program.

• There will be no changes to HSCA's partnership with Fresh Routes. Fresh Routes will be available every Monday (except statutory holidays) from 4pm-6pm to offer produce. HSCA will continue to provide a 25% discount for anyone living in Hillhurst or Sunnyside who is interested in that support.

• We, the team at HSCA, feel confident that this change in direction will increase our impact by focusing our programs and services to align with our strengths and resources.

• HSCA will no longer provide free food as part of our Sustainable Food Program.

• Other HSCA programs do provide food for participants (like snacks and coffee for those attending Sip n Chat, and a simple meal for those attending Neighbour Night).

• HSCA has an extensive online resource tool that showcases the organizations that offer free food. - These organizations are listed on HSCA's website: www.hsca.ca/resources-1 and in the printed handouts provided at Sustainable Food Program.

• Some of our free food partnerships have already ended (initiated by the other party), and some of our partners will redirect their donations to other organizations.

• This is not about the amount of free food; this decision is about aligning HSCA’s programs with our strengths and capacity.

- This is not about the amount of free food or volunteer support for the program; this decision is about aligning HSCA’s programs with our strengths and capacity.

- We are so grateful to have such strong volunteer support for this program, and we will be working with the volunteers to find new opportunities to suit their interests.

• The other programs that provide meals/snacks will still provide food to participants using other food options, including community garden food. 

• This is a really challenging change, and HSCA’s staff want to support you. We can share resources with you so that you can find other food access

• We welcome you to join our other programs, as you may be surprised how building your network of connections will increase your access to resources!

• We’ve received ongoing feedback about people’s experience here and have used this to inform our decision.

• We’ve had to consider our resources and capacity, and make this change based on observations and research.

• We know this may impact people differently, and we want to lead participants to resources that work for each person.

• We’re letting people know ahead of time so they can prepare and plan

• We would be grateful for your input on our next steps and have provided a survey in this document for your feedback.

• It is not in HSCA’s plan to offer any more free food during the Sustainable Food Program.

• We will continue to do our best to: offer low-cost groceries and grocery discounts, advocate for food access, update our resource list of free food locations.