I took some time this past week to review the 2011 Canada Census data outlining the demographics of Airdrie (go to www.airdrie.ca and enter “demographics” in the “search” box and follow the prompts).
Among other astounding facts and figures encountered there, I noted that the population of Airdrie has almost doubled since I first came to the city in 2003. From this bit of information, I was able to safely conclude the following: I am not as young as I used to be; 2) Airdrie is truly a “happening” place; 3) the many people moving here bring the full spectrum of human needs.
One of the opportunities to address just one small component of such needs is the result of the initiative of some creative and motivated people in our congregation. We call it the Good Food Box program or GFB for short and here is what it’s about.
Anyone who regularly shops for groceries will affirm that food prices have noticeably headed skyward in recent months making it even more of a challenge for people on a tight budget to provide adequate nutrition for their families. Owing to a relationship with the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary and a food distribution organization, we have accessed a means whereby we can offer a small, medium or large box of fresh fruit and vegetables at very modest prices.
Once a month, our people go into Calgary and return with how ever many orders are placed with our church office for boxes filled with an assortment of tasty fruit and vegetables. Fresh apples, oranges, bananas, persimmons, grapes, etc., are among some of the fruits that regularly show up in these deliveries. Fresh radishes, lettuce, potatoes, carrots, and so forth are just some of the vegetables we’ve recently received.
Both of these food groups, of course, represent an important part of a well-balanced diet that has become increasingly expensive to obtain. Twenty dollars gets you a small (20 lbs) box, $25 for a medium (30 lbs) box, and $30 obtains a large (40 lbs) container.
If you wish to join the growing group of Airdronians that is participating in this initiative as an economic means to access good nutrition, you can obtain more details by visiting our website at www.fcbcairdrie.com or calling our office manager, Denise, at 403-948-6727 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays. It is necessary to submit an order form and payment a couple of weeks prior to picking the food up at the church on the respective dates. The next order deadline is April 20.
Sincere thanks go out to the growing list of participants in this worthwhile endeavor. All are welcome!
Tim Callaway is the pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church in Airdrie and is open to gifts of trans-fat chocolate Easter bunnies at 403-948-6727.
