Fresh fruit and vegetables for Chalmers

Elmwood

Being able to find groceries, especially fresh food, is essential for people in any neighbourhood. For residents of Elmwood and Glenelm, a recent Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation event offering free fruit and vegetables was a good chance to stock up on these necessary food items.

According to a Dec. 4, 2025, Free Press article by Ian Bickis, researchers with the Food Price Report predicted an inflation rate of up to three per cent for fruit and six per cent for vegetables in 2026, which will add almost $1,000 in costs for a family of four. In Elmwood, the problem of high costs is exacerbated by limited access to fresh food.

The Winnipeg Foundation’s website notes that Glenelm, Chalmers, and Elmwood are food deserts, where “residents face significant barriers to obtaining fresh, nutritious food.” Although the RNJ Supermarket recently opened its doors, fresh food at the store is still somewhat limited.

For some residents of the area, the Better Access to Groceries (BAG) program is a good way of getting the food they need for nutritious meals. With smaller bags for a family of three to four people costing $5, and larger bags for five to six people costing $10, the program provides nutritious food for many people. For people unable to manage the cost or the amount of food they would receive a new food rescue program could be the answer.

The free food serves two purposes: helping people and preserving the environment. According to CNRC executive director Leilani Esteban-Villarba, “CNRC’s food rescue program focuses on rescuing perfectly good, high-quality food that would otherwise go to landfill and redistributing it to those who could use it.”

On Monday, Jan. 5, people from the neighbourhood had a chance to pick up some of this food for free at 180 Poplar Ave. Although the event was scheduled to continue into the evening, most of the produce was gone by 5:30 p.m. However, given the popularity of the initiative, CNRC will likely make the food distribution a regular event.

Giving residents in the area the chance to take as much or as little of the free produce as they need will help to make Elmwood and Glenelm a healthier place. Every little bit of help counts in giving people the resources they need while building the community, helping the environment, and making life easier for people living in northeast Winnipeg