Gleaners Food Bank officially introduced its new Community Market in a grand opening ceremony on Thursday.
The Community Market is a new relief-based approach to tackling food insecurity in the region, using a client-choice model that gives people the opportunity to select the food that best meets their and/or their families’ needs.
Executive Director Peter Kerr said that the new model is a more dignified, welcoming, and personalized experience, and replaces the previous food hamper model.
“They wouldn’t have a choice about what was in the hamper. It was basically whatever we wanted to give them,” Kerr told gatherers at the ceremony.
“This new model is commonly known as a shopping model, and essentially it allows our clients to come in, and we are doing a points-based model, so they get a certain number of points per month, and they can shop around in our shopping area here, choose to take whatever is appropriate for them. That reduces food waste and makes sure that people are getting the food that they want and will use.”
Kerr says they received feedback from surrounding foodbanks, including Trenton Care & Share Foodbank, Partners In Mission Food Bank in Kingston, and Picton United Church Food Bank, all of which implemented similar changes to their respective models.
“We’ve been running now since July 2 with this model daily,” Kerr explained.
“It’s an appointment-based model, so appointments are recommended because it helps us control the flow of people so that we can be as efficient and as effective as we can.”
Ribbon-cutting ceremony for new Community Market at Gleaners Food Bank. July 23, 2026 (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Manager of Programs and Administration at Gleaners Jessica Coolen, gave a tour of how the Community Market works.
Coolen said that each individual who takes part in the Community Market would be assigned 30 points a month that can be used to select food items.
“We have them start with our fridges and freezers because this is where our high-demand food is, and they will specifically hold points to ensure that they have enough points to get this food,” Coolen explained during the tour.
“So the eggs, the milk, the meat are very high demand. We have a hard time keeping up with that.”
Coolen said an individual’s points would reset to 30 once the month is over and a new month begins.
She said once all grocery items have been selected, those utilizing the food bank would then go to a checkout station where one person would scan the items and another would bag the groceries.
“I really wanted to go with the old school style of having a grocery bagger, and so I was really excited about that,” Coolen said.
“So we have two people here, and then we also will help carry out the bags. We also have volunteers on the floor for anyone who comes in that needs assistance with grocery shopping. So we try to make sure it’s completely accessible and make sure that everyone has a great experience.”
Kerr noted during the tour that the new model has been noticeably more efficient.
“It makes it easier for our volunteers. It’s not as physically intensive for them, and yeah, so many wins from it. Choice is just an amazing feeling.”
Those looking for more information on how to donate food and/or money to the food bank can head over to the Gleaners website for more information.
Inside the Community Market at Gleaners Food Bank in Belleville. July 23, 2026. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
