Our Journey

Community Learning staff and volunteers collaborated with Portage College staff to create Stone Soup Food Center.  The goal was to divert food waste from the local landfills and use the food that was donated by local businesses either for human consumption or for animal feed or compost.  The Volunteers sort by the donated food items according to those items safe for human consumption and put it out at the Stone Soup Food Center for pick up and other food is used for compost or for animal feed.

From March – June 2021 – 13,695 pounds of food was diverted from the landfill. This food was used to feed over 500 meals.

The Community has come together around food.  Poverty and food insecurity affect many in our community.  People often feel shame and stigma when they ask for help.  Individuals who cannot afford healthy foods suffer more from physical and mental health problems.  Programs like Stone Soup Food Center can significantly improve the health and well-being of many individuals and families in our community.