Gilroy, Valour C.C. bring grocery program to West End

Elmwood

West End

A community grocery program inspired by a successful one in east Winnipeg has launched on the west side of the city.

Coun. Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre) has partnered with Valour Community Centre’s Orioles site to provide access to the Grocery Affordable Access Program (GAAP), a low-cost grocery initiative geared to supporting individuals and families who are facing financial challenges but might not rely entirely on food banks.

GAAP was created by the late Coun. Jason Schreyer (Elmwood-East Kildonan) with the help of Chris Sweryda to help address this gap by ensuring essential grocery items are purchased and made available for resale at the lowest possible price, creating access to affordable food while preserving independence and choice, Gilroy said.

“Valour Community Centre was really interested in partnering with a food-security initiative, which is something the late councillor Schreyer started in Elmwood,” Gilroy said.

“Based on its success, I was able to talk with residents using the program and find out what it means to them. Right now, it’s such a great program to have, as lots of people are struggling with the cost of groceries.”

“I was able to talk with residents in the Elmwood area and go and witness it and see how important it is,” she added.

Located in the centre’s gym at 448 Burnell St. – users are asked to enter through the back door – the program will run on the first, third and the fifth (when applicable) Thursday of each month between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The program began April 2.

It’s open to residents of Daniel McIntyre ward, who are asked to bring along bags, boxes or a wagon, if needed, to transport their groceries. It should be emphasized this isn’t a free program, and both cash and e-transfers will be accepted.

Noting that Valour is the oldest community centre in Winnipeg, Gilroy said organizers at the facility have “put a lot of work into making the community centre come alive again” and she’s grateful GAAP will have a new home.

“It’s about bringing affordable groceries to the community, and we’re going to kind of do it at a slower speed to Elmwood. As we grow and see the need, we’ll be able to expand as needed,” Gilroy said.

She said participants can expect to find grocery staples such as soup, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, pasta and pancake mix once the program gets going.

“It’s really hard for people to afford things today, and this will help a lot of families that are struggling,” Gilroy said.

Elmwood resident Maryanne Serbyniuk was one of the first people to sign up for the east Winnipeg GAAP program when it began a year ago.

Calling it a huge success, Serbyniuk described it as “an essential service required by low- and middle-income families.”

“The program’s success is due to the dedication of the various volunteers and staff, plus Chris’s ability to get bulk products at reduced prices through various chain stores,” Serbyniuk said.

“After Chris purchases the products, they go into a large warehouse. Volunteers transport these items from the warehouse to St. Gerard School Friday evening and Saturday morning.”

Serbyniuk said she’s grateful for the efforts of all the volunteers, who she said are dedicated people who believe in the program.

“They all work together and help each other. It is a nice social atmosphere that produces a positive end result,” she said.

She said Sweryda sends out a monthly newsletter featuring any new products and their prices.

“Frequently we run out of various products due to high demand.”