Timmins mining firm, Goldcorp, is supporting a fresh, local food program with a sponsorship of $5,000.
The money will go directly to both local food banks to help people buy fresh, local produce.
Nothing says summer quite like fresh fruits and vegetables stacked by the bushel, straight from the farm, and the line-up at the Urban Park Farmers Market in downtown Timmins shows people can't get enough of it.
Now, thanks to a new program called Feed it Forward, those in need can get their hands on nature’s bounty.
Jennifer Vachon is the Executive Director of Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins.
"We donate market dollars in bundles to the food banks and they work with people who access the food banks to provide those individuals and families with these market dollars." said Vachon.
Those who use both of the city's food banks will now have access to vouchers, allowing them to shop for exactly what they want, providing nutrition and helping to erase food waste.
"They're buying what they want. They're buying what they like. They're buying foods that are flavourful to their liking and the nice thing with the farmers market is everything is top notch quality." said Vachon.
Goldcorp is helping kick off this program with a $5,000 investment.
Brian Neeley is the Sustainability Manager at Goldcorp Porcupine Gold Mines.
"This initiative was great. We were able to put money into the downtown core, and everybody in here, and you can see by how many people are here, that it's successful." said Neeley.
However, giving back isn't reserved for multi-national mining giants, everyone can do their part.
Rena Keenan-Buhler is a member of Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins.
"When you buy a bundle for $15, you're keeping 12 of those dollars for your own purchases at the market, and then you're providing those extra $3 directly to someone who could use it at the food bank." said Keenan-Buhler.
The vouchers will be available from both the Timmins and South Porcupine food banks and can be used at the downtown market or the Mountjoy Farmers Market each Saturday.
