No food is tossed out with the inspiration of CFB Shilo CANEX staff participating in the MFRC Food Rescue Initiative. Staff were awarded a Base Command Team Commendation Coin on Nov. 27 for their continued efforts in finding solutions to food insecurity. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
More than 18 CFB Shilo CANEX staff were recognized for their efforts in a food rescue program that has assisted military families on Base with more than 4,300 meals since the start of the year. The first presentation of the Military Family Resource Centre Inspire Awards commended their efforts and community inspiration on Nov. 27.
CFB Shilo Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk and Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Eric Le Clair presented Delores Hessian, CANEX staff representative, with a Base Command Team Commendation coin.
CANEX Store Manager Melissa Kelly, as well as public and staff members, watched on as MFRC Executive Director Rob Lavin praised the team’s efforts, which have “resulted in fostering solidarity and support within the Military community by addressing food insecurity.”
Lavin explained the MFRC Food Rescue Program was developed for the Military community and families in partnership with the CANEX.
“By partnering with organizations like Second Harvest Food Rescue and the Shilo CANEX, we can redirect surplus food to those in need. This initiative not only reduces food waste but also ensures that nutritious meals are available to community members.”
Lavin said the CANEX is not only playing a major role in tackling food insecurity with the thousands of meals being provided, but is also crucial in supporting environmental efforts by diverting more than 9,300 kilograms of greenhouse gases from CFB Shilo alone.
Kelly said what started with one person has now grown to include support from the Shilo MFRC counselling team, Faith Centre and Transition Centre. While the Base grocery retailer has been supporting food rescue for quite some time, positive results from staff efforts have increased since creating a partnership with MFRC in January.
CANEX staff collects a variety of surplus food, including fresh produce, non-perishable goods, and prepared meals. A team of “dedicated CFB Shilo volunteers and staff” then sort and package the items into hampers.
“Each hamper is created to provide balanced and healthy meal options for families, ensuring they have access to the nutrition they need,” Lavin said.
Based on referrals, the hampers are then distributed to families. A continuously growing list highlights an increasing need in the Shilo military community, Lavin said
“By providing the hampers, we enhance our community’s overall well-being and morale, fostering a sense of solidarity and support among military families.”
Delores Hessian spends part of her day as a CANEX staff representative preparing food for the MFRC Food rescue program. She accepted the Base Command Team Commendation coin on Nov. 27 on behalf of the (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
CANEX staff members were presented with a Base Command Team Commendation Coin on Nov. 27 for their efforts in preparing food donations to the food rescue program. The initiative has assisted with more than 4,300 meals for CFB Shilo Military families in need of assistance since January. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
CANEX staff members were presented with a Base Command Team Commendation Coin on Nov. 27 for their efforts in preparing food donations to the food rescue program. The initiative has assisted with more than 4,300 meals for CFB Shilo Military families in need of assistance since January. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
CANEX staff members were presented with a Base Command Team Commendation Coin on Nov. 27 for their efforts in preparing food donations to the food rescue program. The initiative has assisted with more than 4,300 meals for CFB Shilo Military families in need of assistance since January. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)