Thanks to each and every one of you for purchasing milk and eggs for
distribution through nine food markets to 3,402 people including 469 older adults
(age 65+) 1,111 children and youth (age 0-17). Milk and eggs are core food needs for
most households providing essential nutrition.

With the generous support of 100 Women Who Care, Hope House has been able to
purchase thirteen weeks’ worth of milk and eggs to distribute to the food insecure
families that access our food markets. Each week you purchased 150 dozen eggs
($495) and 360 litres of milk ($840). Thank you for your kind generosity!

But even more impressive, this $17,000+ donation resulted in you crossing the
$500,000 mark in donations for local charities. That’s half a million dollars put to work in
support of fellow community members, friends, and families. A pretty impressive
accomplishment in 10 years.

At Hope House we know that poverty, food insecurity, and health are all interconnected. We also know that the opposite of poverty is community. We have seen people move into a better future as they are able to access the resources they need. That is why we embrace a collaborative approach in everything we do. By teaming up with over 20 organizations across different sectors, we make sure that under-resourced families have access to the essentials they need.

As one of the largest food security organizations in Guelph, Hope House has supported
over 6,100 vulnerable Guelphites to grow, succeed, and be healthy since April 1, 2024.
Last year we distributed close to $900,000 of groceries and meals through our nine food markets.

The values of dignity, belonging and empowerment are core to our mission and evident
through our distribution model. This can be seen in our onsite food market, which is set
up like a mini grocery store where people walk the aisles and select the items they
need. Almost every individual selects milk and eggs. As well, in partnership with the County of Wellington, Hope House offers farmers’ market style food markets in eight
social housing buildings. All these markets allow individuals the dignity of selecting their
own fresh produce, milk, eggs, dry goods and hygiene products for free.

We know these markets are making a difference. In our 2023 annual program survey
we learned that:
● 98% of respondents said Hope House was an important source of healthy food,
● 89% said accessing food from Hope House improved their eating habits, and
● 74% reported an improvement in their mental health after visiting Hope House.

The sad reality is that 18% of households in Guelph are food insecure. This means that
nearly 1 in 5 individuals are either worried about having enough food to eat, adjusting
their eating habits to fit tight budgets, or even skipping meals.

We know the solution to food insecurity is income security. This is why Hope House
continues to advocate for income security for all. You can learn more about income
security as the solution to food insecurity on the Guelph-Wellington Task Force for
Poverty Elimination website – https://www.gwpoverty.ca/food-insecurity/

Until income security for all is achieved, your efforts to support vulnerable individuals
and families in Guelph through your financial donations, through your food donations
and through volunteering your time will continue to ensure that no one goes hungry
within our community.

Thank you for making a difference for 3,402 individuals through your generous financial
support.