Katherine Cirlincione, a former resident of the Downsview area, created an initiative that helps get fresh produce to Downsview and North York community members during the COVID-19 crisis as a way of giving back to her community. The “GTA Produce Initiative” began in mid-March when Katherine realized that the pandemic crowd foodbanks and organizations would have a difficult time meeting the demand.
So Katherine decided to do something about it. As an employee of a produce distributor, she knew she could easily purchase produce at a discounted employee rate and distribute it to people. She took advantage of lower gas prices and her hybrid vehicle to deliver people small packages of food. A close friend and Downsview resident helped Katherine create a list of community members who were interested in receiving produce packages. The list consisted of mostly students and single mothers in the Downsview area.
At first Katherine thought: “Okay, even I could only afford to this a few times at least it is something and hopefully this can help fill the gap to vital programs that have been cancelled or are experiencing high demand.”
She wears protective gear and leaves the packages for people outside their homes to ensure safety. During a delivery, Katherine calls the recipient once she dropped it off by their door and waits in her car as they come outside to collect their free produce delivery.
The need exists and Katherine realized that the initiative is helpful and could be maintained long-term if she has enough support.
Katherine told her family and friends about her initiative and many began donating to her cause. The funds she collects help cover the costs of produce and gas. And with this increase of financial support, Katherine could accommodate more people and larger deliveries including the local Dominion Church.
I asked Katherine why she decided to start this and what inspired her. She replied:
“I love this community. I could talk endlessly about the way growing up here with my grandparents shaped me. I have carried those memories with me everywhere else I have lived, nowhere else compares. I have met the most amazing people in this community. I am so proud to call it home even if I haven't lived there in some time. I also understand there are vulnerable members in the community that are going to be more harshly affected by COVID-19 and the economic impact that has come from it.”
In the span of 6 weeks, Katherine delivered fresh produce to over 150 households. Friends, family, and acquaintances are still happy to donate and Katherine plans on continuing this for the duration of the lock-down.
Katherine shares, “People have been really receptive and grateful. I have had a few interactions where individuals have offered the blessing of God but mainly it is a smile, a wave and a "have a good day!" through my car window after I see they've picked up their produce. One of the pastors from Dominion Church International did want to take a group photo [featured above] with some volunteers during a delivery so we attempted to get everyone in the frame while maintaining appropriate distance which was pretty funny and very sweet.”
Katherine grew up in the Downsview community and lived here during her formative years. She now resides in Georgetown, Ontario and still manages to commute into the city and help those who need it most. To donate you can send funds to gtaproduceinitiative@gmail.com