The Community Builders column on Apartment 613 shares the stories of every Community Builder recognized by United Way Ottawa.
In this column, you’ll see the stories of every day Ottawans who take the time to extend a helping hand, break down stereotypes and barriers, and those who push for a better city by showing us the true meaning of compassion for others.
Do you know someone who deserves a Community Builder award? You can nominate them.
For some Canadians, finding fresh, affordable food is as easy as walking five minutes down the street to the nearest supermarket and scooping up a fresh head of broccoli. For others, especially those in regions known as “food deserts,” accessing quality food is challenging.
Alida Burke and Corey Ellis founded Growcer with this large problem in mind: increasing the quality of life for people in remote communities, who often have limited access to affordable, healthy food.
“Food insecurity is the challenge of not being able to access affordable and healthy options for food,” explained Alida. “In Ottawa, we have many different food deserts where that is a huge challenge.”
By Samantha Pope
Communications Officer, United Way Ottawa