At Fresh Routes, we have the simple belief that access to healthy and affordable food is a basic human right. However, so many communities across Alberta are struggling with basic food access due to barriers like cost, location, geography and transportation.
Unfortunately, Alberta has the highest rate of reported food insecurity across the country. The pandemic combined with rising inflation rates have significantly impacted food costs, making it more and more difficult for individuals to access healthy food.
Our reality is that the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables is 13.2% higher than a year ago, making the cost of a bag of apples more expensive than a dozen of donuts.
We make the healthy choice the easy choice. Because of the mobile markets, our customers are able to buy carrots, zucchini and turnips, and make a bison stew for her entire family for less than $6. At Fresh Routes, we bring healthy and affordable produce directly into communities facing the greatest barriers in access.
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Give the gift of choice to our mobile market participants which includes seniors, post-secondary students, families and youth.
While most of us can fill our table with fresh bread and vegetables, this will not be the reality for 1 in 10 Albertans who are food-insecure.
With your support, Fresh Routes can continue to each thousands of Albertans each month. These funds will help Fresh Routes respond to community needs, support our current community work with more community stops and help us plan for the future.
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Read Natasha's story to learn more about how the Mobile Grocery Store has impacted her life:
Natasha is a regular shopper at the Mobile Grocery Store.
“Thank you!!!! Without this service and the help of the wonderful volunteers, I would not be able to feed my children. Services like this and people like these, restore my faith in humanity.”
And for other participants, the Mobile Grocery Store represents more than just a means to accessing food.
“She accessed the market weekly and said her kids couldn’t wait to help cook mushrooms, bell peppers and asparagus - healthy foods that they usually couldn’t afford.”
It provides an opportunity to build healthy lifestyles, engaging youth in healthy eating and building connection between families and communities.
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About Fresh Routes:
We believe that everyone should have access to healthy, fresh and affordable food.
We focus on dignified food access. To us, this means:
- affordability — our prices are up to 45% lower than regular grocery stores
- convenience - we show up right at the doorstep to those who need it most
- we bring culturally appropriate options and offer choice
- and lastly, we do not ask for proof of income. All are welcome to shop!
The numbers do not tell it all and we invite you to hear more stories like Rita's. Watch this short video to learn about our market and meet Robin, a community member who relies on regular trips our mobile grocery store to access healthy food each week.
Thank you for supporting dignified access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food!
Fresh Routes is a not-for-profit social enterprise that is focused on creating new, innovative ways of providing healthy and affordable food to as many Albertans as possible — especially those who need it most. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food and is informed to make healthy decisions and live a healthy life!
Disclaimer: Please note as a local not-for-profit organization, we are unable to provide tax-receipts for your donation.
