Local Good Food Club goes online ahead of the rest

Medicine Hat’s Good Food Club is breaking ground as the first program of its kind in Canada to offer online ordering.

“A lot of people want the convenience,” said Alison Van Dyke with Community Food Connections Association, which runs the wholesale produce purchasing club that aims to get locals eating healthy.

Prior to launching the online option this fall, people had to drop by a depot location to place an order, and pay with cash or cheque, said Van Dyke. This was often done during pickup — on the second Tuesday every month — and meant participation suffered, due to such things as people not having cash on hand, she said.

Now participants have the option of online ordering and paying by credit card, or through Paypal which allows for interact payments.

“It’s very easy to use and it’s a secure site,” said Van Dyke.

When they initially looked into launching the online option, Van Dyke said they looked at how similar programs across Canada were doing it. But Van Dyke discovered that even the largest program in Toronto — which has thousands of members — didn’t have an online ordering system, and is done in-person and on paper.

“I believe we’re the first in Canada to have online ordering,” said Van Dyke.

Approximately 200 locals participate in the good food box program.

“We’re for anyone in the community. We really want to encourage healthy eating, and this is a good way to get high quality produce at really good pricing,” she said, noting they source vegetables from local producers, and even fruit from B.C. when it’s in season.

Perks of the program include the monthly box coming with a newsletter, nutritional info, cost comparisons and even recipes so people can learn how to cook different food.

The program also has volunteer opportunities and the chance to meet new people, said Van Dyke.

Community Food Connections is a non-profit supported by AHS, FCSS, City of Medicine Hat and the food bank.

The association also runs several community kitchens throughout the city open to anyone, said Van Dyke, and are supported through the food bank.

The association also runs the local community gardens. While community garden spots have been filled up for the warmer months ahead, people can still be put on the waiting list by calling 403-5028249.

For more information on these programs, visit foodconnections.ca.