Sudbury, Ont., woman creates group to reduce food waste and feed the hungry
Like most people, Shannon Corrigan says she wastes more food than she would like and it's something she's trying to change.
“I used to clean out my fridge and my cupboards and my freezer all the time and I would post it on the (Facebook) marketplace: free food, come and get it,” Corrigan said.
“So I’m like, why not just start a group and hopefully get a bunch of other people doing the exact same thing?”
That’s when Needing Leftovers-Sudbury was created. In two months, the group has grown to more than 1,000 members.
“Somebody asks for coffee or I need dinner for my kids or something like that, people can respond on the post, ‘OK well I just made spaghetti and I have lots left” she said.
“If they don’t have a ride or they can’t get it, I can go pick it up, bring it to the people. Or the people who is offering the food they’ve also been dropping it off to people, as well.”
Corrigan said it’s a win-win for everyone because food isn’t wasted and people in the community don’t go hungry.
“Very thankful -- their kids are very thankful,” she said.
“They definitely have big smiles. I got a hug from a little girl once so that was pretty good. I’ve definitely had tears for all of the donations I’ve gotten.”
Officials at Public Health Sudbury and Districts said interest in donating surplus food has grown in the last few years in the community.
“Wherever possible we would recommend that individuals consider donating their surplus of food to existing food rescue programs like food banks or other community kitchens,” said the health unit’s Ashley DeRocchis.
“But we do understand there are situations where they may prefer to donate directly to an individual or a neighbour they know to be in need and where that’s the case it’s really important to keep in mind some food safety measures.”
She adds that those donating food should ensure they follow these steps to reduce the risk of food-borne illness: make sure everything is clean; separate food items; make sure everything is cooked to the proper temperature; and, refrigerate items promptly.
For those looking to donate, DeRocchis said they should consider fresh fruits and vegetables rather than prepared meals.
For those receiving food, they should check expiry dates before eating anything.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6974402.1721752977!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Laws that could get Canadians in trouble in tourism hotspots
There are some laws in popular tourist destinations around the world that could land Canadian travellers in mild-to-serious trouble if they're not careful. Don't let these local laws land you in hot water during your next vacation abroad.
Edmonton gas station employee found guilty of terrorism charges in the U.K.
An Edmonton man has been convicted of multiple charges under the Terrorism Act in the United Kingdom.
BREAKING Polar bear at Calgary Zoo died by drowning following 'crushing' injury
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has revealed the cause of death for polar bear Baffin last week.
U.S. Secret Service director resigns after Trump assassination attempt
The director of the Secret Service resigned Tuesday in the aftermath of the assassination attempt against former U.S. president Donald Trump that unleashed an outcry about how the agency failed in its core mission to protect current and former presidents.
Quebec mom devastated after man who killed her daughter in hit-and-run gets out after 5 months
A Montreal-area mother is furious with Quebec's justice system because the man who killed her 25-year-old daughter in a 2022 hit-and-run was released from jail after only serving one-sixth of his sentence behind bars.
Waterloo, Ont. woman out thousands after car totalled in hit-and-run
A woman in Waterloo, Ont. is out thousands of dollars for a car crash she wasn’t involved in.
DEVELOPING Jasper evacuees forced into B.C. to flee fires told to make U-turn to Alberta for aid
Thousands of wildfire evacuees forced from Jasper National Park into British Columbia along smoke-choked mountain roads Monday night were directed Tuesday to make a wide U-turn and head home if they needed a place to stay.
Keanu Reeves explains why he's always thinking about death
Keanu Reeves is aging like the rest of us. And for that reason, 'The Matrix' has shared, mortality has been on his mind.
Do you need a lawyer when making a will in Canada?
Many people believe that creating a will requires the services of a lawyer, but this isn't always the case. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew explains a lawyer's role when crafting your last will and testament.