A Beautiful Day in the River District: OSHaRE's Growing Role
OSHaRE has grown from serving 60–70 dinners in 2013 to a River District hub offering meals, food rescue, school lunches, and on-site low-barrier healthcare.
by Anne Seymour
Originally published in The Owen Sounder magazine
What makes a good neighbourhood? If you Google that question, you’ll find houses or businesses that are well maintained, manicured lawns, gardens, proximity to amenities, and other factors dealing with infrastructure.
But, for me, a good neighbourhood is more about community spirit than anything else. A neighbourhood that lacks caring, acceptance, and mutual respect for everyone is not a healthy place. Neighbourhoods that are safe and friendly exist where there is kindness, compassion, and respect for all residents and visitors.
Owen Sound Hunger and Relief Effort (OSHaRE) is one community in the River District that exemplifies this. What began in 2013 in the lower level of the Harmony Centre with two staff and volunteers serving dinners to 60-70 clients has grown over the last years.
Prior to the outbreak of COVID in 2020 and the shutdown of many services, OSHaRE relocated to 3rd Avenue East. During COVID, clients who had previously received lunch at Safe and Sound were redirected to OSHaRE to pick up take-out hot lunches, not a sit-down meal. Clients can now pick up meals and either eat in or take out.
Over the past couple of years, there has been a Food Rescue program created in which food picked up from local grocery stores and pharmacies is stored at the Food Share facility, which caters to local agencies. This program is a local initiative that involves OSHaRE and the Salvation Army. There is also a school lunch program for some local schools, and a family food program now operates through referrals to OSHaRE.
Finally, there is room where clients can access low barrier healthcare. Members of the SOS and Brightshores teams participate in groups and clinics during the lunch period at OSHaRE five days a week. There are now more staff to manage these programs, as well as a great number of volunteers who serve or assist in the preparation of food from Monday to Saturday.
When I think of what a good neighbourhood represents, OSHaRE in the River District, ticks all the boxes. It is not only a well maintained, bright, open, and clean space that is close to all downtown amenities, but it’s also a place full of positivity, kindness, and compassion.
It’s no surprise that OSHaRE receives great community support as the organization addresses not only food insecurity, but also helps to preserve the dignity and well-being of vulnerable individuals in our city.
To learn more and get involved go to www.oshare.ca.
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