Kingston, Ontario – April 11, 2025 Media Release
Local farmers and KCHC’s Pathways to Education are proud to announce the return of the Community Food Fund for 2025, marking Pathways’ 15th year of empowering local youth and families.
In its successful 2024 season, the program delivered fresh, local food from Grains and Goods Bakery, Fat Chance Farmstead, and Doublejay Farms to 13 families in need. This year, the goal is to expand the initiative to reach 20 families, providing 18 weeks of vegetables, beef, and fresh bread from June through October.
“We believe everyone should have access to healthy food grown close to home,” said Tim Dowling of Doublejay Farms. “The Community Food Fund is about more than feeding families—it’s about growing a resilient local food system, supporting our local farmers, and creating long-term food security right here in our communities.”
Launched in 2023, the Community Food Fund was designed to strengthen local food systems while ensuring healthy, nutritious, and dignified food is available to those who need it most. The initiative not only supports families experiencing food insecurity but also boosts the capacity of local producers to grow and distribute their harvests within the community.
Since 2010, the Pathways to Education program has empowered over 500 youth from the Rideau Heights and Inner Harbour neighbourhoods to not only graduate from high school but also successfully transition to post-secondary education, skilled trades, or meaningful employment. By providing holistic support, Pathways is helping to break the cycle of generational poverty through education.
This year, KCHC Pathways to Education is excited to introduce a new food education component to its programming.
“Simply providing food is not enough,” said Roger Romero, manager of KCHC Pathways to Education. “Youth will learn how food is grown and build relationships between the community and food producers.”
He added, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with these incredible local producers. Education is more than just books and homework; it’s about
empowering youth to think critically and make informed choices that are healthy and sustainable.”
Now entering its third season, this grassroots initiative will continue to build momentum locally with the ongoing support of the community. Donations over $50 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt through KCHC Pathways to Education. Organizers encourage residents, businesses, and community organizations to give by May 15 to ensure a full season of planning, planting, and delivery.
How Community Members Can Help:
• $50 provides one week of fresh food to one family
• $200 provides one month of food to a family
• $1,000 sponsors one family for the entire season
• $5,000 supplies 100 food boxes to households
Donation link:
https://doublejay-farms.localline.ca/shop