Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to once again talk about the Food Rescue Program and highlight some of what was accomplished within the last three years.
The Donation of Food Act, which was put forward by my colleague Wendy Bisaro, was passed in 2008. This act ensures that those who donate food or who distribute donated food are not liable for possible harm unless it was a result of intent to harm or reckless behaviour. This act has allowed the Food Rescue Program to increase as it serves a pressing need within our community.
From the end of 2008 until December 31, 2011, the Food Rescue Program has rescued 390,000 pounds of food.
Of that, 225,000 pounds was received in 2010 alone. In 2010, Food Rescue donated 222,000 pounds of various food products. A breakdown of this includes some 6,600 pounds of meat, 22,000 litres of dairy products, 3,600 litres of juice, 950 dozen eggs and 2,900 sandwiches. Food banks across North America value each pound of food at about $2. This means in 2010, Food Rescue, along with those people and companies supporting it, has donated and delivered around $440,000 worth of food in the community that would have otherwise been unavailable or ended up in landfills. In addition, approximately 3,500 pounds of compost was produced.
I would like to highlight the work and thank all of the volunteers who have helped this organization be successful. They have all done a lot of work and are a great resource for individuals and other communities who are interested in doing the same kind of thing. I would also like to acknowledge the partners who have helped make this success possible: Central Mechanical, Matrix Aviation, Ryfan Electric, BHP Billiton, the City of Yellowknife, Diavik Rio Tinto, the Yellowknife Liquor Store and Bassett Petroleum, and I apologize to any that I’ve missed.
Mr. Speaker, the Food Rescue Program is performing a valuable service to the community and is seeking to expand further. Last year the program moved into a larger, but temporary, facility on Old Airport Road and the facility is already proving to be too small. Currently the board is exploring opportunities to expand.
Ultimately, Food Rescue has a long-term goal to establish itself somewhere on a permanent basis in a larger facility. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
