In July, the WECAN Food Basket Society McCauley Depot will move back to the Boys and Girls Club at 9425 109A Avenue. It will keep the same hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pickup for July is July 17. Pickup is usually the third Thursday of the month (depending on holidays).

The WECAN Food Basket Society was formed in 1993 by a couple of social workers engaged with women in the Abbotsfield community to address “empty fridge syndrome.” As money was tight near month end, families were faced with a lack of healthy food. The Food Basket was welcomed as an alternative to charity and food banks usage. The premise is simple: pool money and buy meat and produce in bulk to lower food costs.

Many members of the early society received monthly assistance allowances, establishing the rhythm of collecting money at the beginning of the month, with food pickup scheduled in the third week of the month when funds and groceries were scarce.This timing provides a critical influx of groceries to get people to the end of month with enough healthy food to feed their families. 

A monthly newsletter includes recipes and price comparisons. Since its inception TGP has been the preferred supplier for the society, which remains an affordable alternative in the face of inflation and food scarcity. 

Over the years, the society has grown from 150 members to over 700 and has depots around the city. Meat orders (with a non-pork option) are $20. Produce orders are $15. There is no limit on the number of orders a household can make.  

An annual membership is five dollars. The WECAN Food Basket Society is based on its ability to leverage the power of bulk purchasing. Often seen as a resource only for lower income people, all are welcome to join. More members and orders increase the purchasing power of this nutritious food buying club.

For more information: wecanfood.com

Gail Silvius is happily retired and living in McCauley.