Elmwood, Chalmers-area grocery program expands ‘essential’ service to fill growing need

Fresh vegetables are seen in this undated photo. (Goran Bogicevic/shutterstock.com)

Accessing fresh produce just became a little easier for those living in and around Winnipeg’s Chalmers and Elmwood neighbourhoods.

A program organized by Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (CNRC) is expanding, serving fresh fruit and vegetables, along with other groceries, to those in need every week.

The Better Access to Groceries (BAG) program began in 2016 to help tackle high costs of food. For just $5, families could get a small bag of fruits and vegetables or a full order of groceries for $10.

“It makes a huge difference as far as budget goes and it really helps the community,” said Kathy Kost, who’s been using the BAG program for the last year.

The program caters to those living in the Elmwood and Glenelm area who struggle with food insecurity and mobility issues. This year, it serves 300 families on a regular basis.

“Grocery prices have raised exponentially,” said CNRC executive director Leilani Villarba. “The cost of fresh fruit and vegetables is beyond anyone’s means.”

According to Canada’s Food Price Report from Dalhousie University, grocery costs are expected to rise by three to five per cent in 2025.

“To some people, it might sound like a surprise, but this has been happening for years,” noted Elmwood-area Coun. Jason Schreyer. “Some of us have been predicting this time, and it’s only going to get worse.”

As part of the expansion, the program will also offer new items such as soup, bread, peanut butter, and pasta sauce.

“We’re taking it to the next level,” said Schreyer, who is partly funding the expansion, along with the Winnipeg Foundation.

Program participants applaud the move, especially as costs keep rising.

“It’s incredible for our multiple young families that are moving in,” said CNCR board member Susanne Williams. “We have a large seniors population here, so this kind of a program is essential so that everybody gets to eat.”

Those interested in ordering groceries through the BAG program must first register with CNRC.