Page 20 - Annual Meeting, 2019

Village Harvest, Annual Report, 2018
Ben Hicks

We introduced the Village Harvest at the end of 2014 as a response to the increasing costs
of food and to ease some of the financial strain of those in our community. Port Royal can
be described as a food desert. We set up the food distribution market style to make food
available locally and easily accessible to those who need it.

In 2018, the Village Harvest turned 4 years old. In celebration on "Giving Tuesday", Nov. 27,
the Harvest earned $1,267 to exceed its goal of $1,200.

We ended the year on a high note. 140 clients came in December, the highest monthly
figure since August. We provided produce such as carrots, turnips, sweet potatoes and
onions and in the grocery area an assortment of protein, veggies, and fruits. Meats (chicken,
beef and pork) continue to be part of the distribution. Overall the percentages of different
types of food are fairly even - 46% produce, 33% grocery and 22% meats.

During 2018, the Harvest reversed its increases and saw declines in numbers. However,
clients on average received more food and thus more value for coming to the Harvest.
Lower numbers means More Value.

The Village Harvest in 2018 was the first decline in both number of people served and
foods provided since the ministry began Nov., 2014. Numbers served dropped from 1,898
to 1,289 and food from 16,924 to 14,931 over the year. Numbers thus fell by 3.2% and food
11.8%. Due to bad weather, there was no Harvest in March, 2018, and that affected the
total numbers.

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