Gathering Around Food

  • Food rescue has always been a two-pronged approach. Firstly, it is about the environmental aspect of keeping good food out of the landfill; secondly, it is about sharing that food with people who can use it. We help ease food insecurity by giving families a little flexibility to grocery shop more freely.

    Our partnership with IGA set the table for us to rescue an estimated $250,000 of food. We work closely with the Gretna Bergthaler Church to distribute food to those unable to access transportation to Altona. We also continued to partner with Makoon’s Centre at Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation to distribute within their community.

    Other contributors:Kroeker Farms, Community Garden Plots & Gardeners, Emerson Food Bank, Co-Op, Roadside Foods, Makoon’s Centre, Rhineland Area Food Bank , Friendship Manor

  • Monday-Thursday - 10:00am - 1:00pm

    Tuesdays - 6:30-8:30pm

    The Community Market and Drop-In offer an opportunity for our community to come together in support of one another. There’s always warm coffee on, and folks willing to help with accessing food rescue. On average we had 100 people come through drop-in each week.

  • TCE has 2 garden plots at the Community garden.

    We have appreciated the support and mentorship of local gardeners Megan Regier and Barb Rempel, who have led our veggie stand since it began. Our plots are cared for by Marina and a team of volunteers, whose weekly harvests added fresh variety to the Community Market and supported our goal of offering healthy food options.

    The program also gave participants meaningful opportunities to learn about gardening, experience harvesting, and contribute to nourishing our community.

    Thank-you to ACAN for the donation of 2 garden plots.

    We have also encouraged local gardeners to bring their excess produce to TCE, which has been greatly appreciated.

    (At one point, we received so many tomatoes that volunteers turned them into salsa, which has then been enjoyed at our evening drop‑in!)

  • Funded by the provincial government, this program offers qualifying families access to “currency” they can use to purchase food at the local farmers’ market.

    In 2025, we were incredibly thankful for Andy Grumbo’s willingness to give leadership to the program.

GATHERING AROUND FOOD

Addressing food insecurity

  • The Altona Community Meal was launched in partnership with, and initiated by the Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church.

    On the last Saturday of every month (except July & August), community members gather to enjoy a meal together, and to be served by one another.

    Meals are served by a different group each week, made of up local businesses, other church groups, or a random assortment of volunteers.

    Last year we served more than 1,300 meals through the Community Meal.

  • Every week we come together to gather around great food, prepared by a variety of community members

    One week we might be eating a traditional East Indian dish, the next week we're enjoying Somma Borscht and fresh buns. It's become a staple opportunity for people to connect.

    Throughout the past year, we served between 50 - 75 people every Thursday.

  • Mid‑Week Muffins & More is a cozy, weekly drop‑in where neighbours gather to enjoy fresh baked goods, hot coffee, and good conversation.

    It’s a simple, welcoming space designed to help people connect, recharge, and build community, in the middle of a busy week. Whether you come for the muffins, the company, or just a moment of pause, there’s always a friendly face waiting for you.

Eating together