Good Food Box

October's Good Food Box

The Good Food Box is a community program supported by the Public Health Units in Ontario CA.   

Established approximately 20 years ago the original mandate was to provide low income and the working poor with fresh fruits and vegetables through a cooperative like program. 

Families pool their money and with the increase purchasing power a buyer travels to the Toronto Food Terminal and purchases in bulk.  In this way the families get their fruits and vegetables for less than what they would be forced to pay at local grocery stores.

The program was later opened up to everyone increasing the buying power of the group.  The Good Food Box is $15.00 per month with anyone making under $30,000 annually paying $12.00, the Public Health Unit subsidizing other $3.00 per family.

Currently our local Good Food Box outlet puts together between 118 and 120 boxes per month with approximately 30 of the boxes being subsidized.

This month’s box came with 

Pumpkin Facts

Pumpkin is an excellent source of Vitamin A, thiamine and riboflavin and a good source of Vitamin C.

One 4 oz. (115 g) portion, cooked and mashed contains 38 calories.  The seeds are rich in protein and a good source of iron.

Pumpkin Soup

1 medium onion, chopped

¼ cup butter

2 cups cooked mashed pumpkin

4 cups pumpkin cooking water

2 heaping tsp. chicken soup base (or vegetable soup base)

1 tsp curry

1 tsp nutmeg

1 bay leaf

1 tbsp dry parsley

1 cup milk

1 cup half and half cream

2 tsp salt

Fresh ground pepper to taste

Sauté onion in butter until golden.  Stir in pumpkin, water, chicken base, bay leaf, curry, nutmeg, and parsley.  Bring to a simmer and continue simmering uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Blend or mash the soup for a smoother consistency.  Add half and half cream and milk in a thin stream while stirring.  Add salt and pepper.  Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

From the October 2013 Good Food Box flyer Grey Bruce Good Food Box.

 We look forward to the Brussels Sprouts and turnip two of our favourite foods.

Grandma Snyder