In response to alarming rates of food insecurity, twelve local organizations have united to form the PEC Food Collective, aiming to enhance awareness and accessibility to nutritious food in Prince Edward County.
Surprisingly, this picturesque region – often celebrated for its agri-tourism – has the second-highest food insecurity rate in Ontario. Currently, one in four county residents face difficulties in securing adequate food, and this troubling figure is on the rise.
The Collective was founded in 2021 as a direct reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteer Tara Wood, who specializes in communication and advocacy, explained, “Our local organizations wanted to come together to figure out how we could better serve the community.”
The PEC Food Collective comprises a diverse group of members, including the Prince Edward Learning Centre, Food to Share, PEC Fresh Good Food Market, Picton United Church Food Bank, and The County Foundation.
Tara Wood emphasized that raising awareness involves a two-pronged approach: educating those struggling to afford food about available resources and encouraging others to contribute their time or donations to bolster food security.
“I think a lot of people assume, ‘I’m not impacted enough, I’m not hungry enough.’ There’s a lot of stigma and bias. We want everyone to know that if you need the support, the support is there,” Wood stated. “On the flip side, for people who have the extra time and resources, there are so many amazing ways to give back.”
The Collective has initiated a new awareness campaign titled “Hunger Lives Here,” launched in conjunction with Hunger Action Month in September. Wood recalled, “When I started getting to know our community members and working with the Wellington food bank, I was shocked that one in four people in our community is going hungry.”
Despite the county’s reputation for fertile farmland, vibrant farmers’ markets, and a robust culinary scene, many residents continue to struggle daily to afford food.
Financial backing for the relaunch of the PEC Food Collective has been provided by The County Foundation. In October 2025, members will congregate to vote on how these funds will be allocated.
Potential initiatives under consideration include community dinners, children’s programming, and establishing community pantries in areas with limited transportation access. The overarching aim of these efforts is to eradicate food insecurity for all residents of Prince Edward County.
“We want to work ourselves out of a job,” Wood concluded, highlighting the Collective’s long-term vision for a food-secure community.
As the PEC Food Collective moves forward, community members are encouraged to participate in discussions, volunteer, and donate, reinforcing the belief that everyone has the power to alleviate hunger in their community. By bringing together various organizations and mobilizing collective action, the group aims to foster a network of support capable of meeting the growing need.
In a region that prides itself on its agricultural bounty, addressing food insecurity is not just a possibility; it is a necessary step towards creating a healthier, more equitable society. The PEC Food Collective stands as a beacon of hope, urging the community to recognize food insecurity as a pressing issue that demands collective attention and action.
Through initiatives like “Hunger Lives Here,” the PEC Food Collective hopes to shine a light on this often-overlooked problem and inspire positive change across Prince Edward County. Every effort counts, and the time for action is now.
