The Nourish and Develop Foundation has been recognized as an ‘Accessibility Champion’ by the Region of Durham.
The awards are presented annually to individuals, businesses or organizations based on their efforts in identifying, removing and preventing barriers for individuals living with a disability.
The local organization was one of seven recipients this year and was recognized for launching a Mobile Food Market.
“The Mobile Food Market went to numerous locations around Brock Township and surrounding areas twice per week, providing fresh local produce, meal kits and prepared meals at an affordable price to everyone,” reads a media release from the Region.
“The project was started to increase access to nutritious food options, addressing barriers such as cost, transportation, and mobility. A main goal was to ease the ‘food desert’, mostly found in rural areas, where access to local grocery stores may be difficult and/or access to nutritious food, quality and quantity, may be limited.”
A statement from The Nourish and Develop Foundation noted that the organization was “honoured” to receive the recognition. It also won an accessibility award from the Township of Brock earlier this year for its Thrift Hub location on Cameron Street in Cannington.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all the local partners and organizations who continue to support our project and to those who awarded funding, including Brock Township, the Local Food Infrastructure Fund and Durham Community Foundation,” the statement reads.
“This project is possible thanks to the delicious produce we receive through local farms, including Commons Farm (Cannington), Wheelbarrow Farm (Sunderland) and Hinterland Growers (Port Perry). In 2022, we’ll continue to evaluate, research and develop the Mobile Food Market to meet the evolving needs of our amazing community.”
Other recipients include:
Township of Scugog — Applewood Farm & Winery owners Matt & Stephanie Passa Fiume have shown a commitment to accessibility and disability rights through creating a more accessible experience for all. Through personal experience they believe that children and adults should be able to enjoy the farm environment. They have made improvements to their space by providing ramps, accessible wagon rides and an accessible washroom. They plan to continue to meet the needs of their customers in whatever way they can.
Township of Uxbridge — Community member Terry Baskin was a previous member and chair of the Uxbridge Accessibility Advisory Committee where he demonstrated a persistent and passionate commitment to advancing accessibility in his community. He has provided leadership to the Township, as well as numerous community organizations. As a member of the Rotary Club since 2007, he has used this platform to promote and engage the larger business community in advancing disability awareness. He was an active consultant and advocate of the Downtown Revitalization Committee and Uxbridge Lions Playground Committee. Terry is an active volunteer in Durham, supporting organization to increase their knowledge and awareness around disability and participation and what that looks like.
A video showcasing the accessibility champions and their work to make their communities more accessible can be viewed by visiting durham.ca/Accessibility.
