Community FEWD, the chef-led food program dedicated to reducing food waste and promoting food equity in Guelph, is facing a $60,000 funding shortfall and urgently needs support to continue its operations through the year.

Founded by Chef Yasi Zorlutuna in 2022, the program has made a significant impact by diverting 50,000 pounds of food from landfills and serving over 44,000 meals to the community. Community FEWD works with emergency food access groups and other partners to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste, preparing nutritious meals that address local food access needs. In addition to its meal services, the program also offers catering services to help sustain its operations.

While the program reached its initial fundraising goal of $10,000 to stay in business through May, it now faces the challenge of securing additional funding to continue serving the community beyond that.

How Donations Make an Impact

The community can support Community FEWD’s mission by donating directly to the crowdfunding campaign or sharing it widely on social media and with personal contacts. Every dollar raised will go directly toward helping vulnerable populations in Guelph. Here are some examples of how donations make a meaningful difference:

1. $750: Provides soup for the Sanguen Health Centre and Mobile Community Health Van for one month, or covers one month’s rent for the kitchen.

2. $1,000: Covers the cost of one take-home dinner service for the community, offering free or donation-based meals, including vegan and gluten-free options.

3. $2,000: Supports one location’s take-home dinners for an entire month, including services at the West-End Recreation Centre, the Ward, and Shelldale Family Gateway’s F.U.N. Fridays.

4. $3,000: Funds one month of weekly meals for Your Downtown Guelph Friends, serving the community on Sundays.

5. $6,000: Covers all take-home dinner services for an entire month.

6. $12,000: Pays for all operational and program costs for a month.