At The SEED, we are driven by our mission to ensure that everyone in our community has access to healthy, affordable food. In 2023, we distributed $1.2 million in donated food across Guelph-Wellington, but thanks to key investments and strategic improvements, we’re proud to share that in 2024, that figure soared to $2.2 million—a remarkable increase that directly benefits thousands of people in our community.
This leap in donated food value didn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of targeted enhancements that boosted both the capacity and efficiency of our operations. Our distribution model relies on multiple channels, primarily SEED Wholesale and Groceries from The SEED, to ensure that donated food reaches those who need it most.
Expanding Capacity with SEED Wholesale
SEED Wholesale plays a critical role in helping other local organizations access food at reduced or no cost, multiplying the impact of every dollar of donated food. By supplying affordable, surplus food to partner organizations—including shelters, community groups, and food programs—we strengthen the local food ecosystem while reducing waste. However, as demand for food access programs grew, so too did the need for better infrastructure to handle more food safely and efficiently.
That’s where the Ontario Trillium Foundation stepped in. With a generous Capital Grant, we were able to transform our warehouse capacity and operations in a way that made this surge in food distribution possible.
How the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Helped Transform Our Operations
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s support allowed us to make critical equipment upgrades in 2024, which laid the foundation for this year’s success. Here’s what their grant enabled:
1. Racking Installation – Previously, we had 35 skid spaces in our warehouse, which significantly limited the volume of food we could store. Thanks to new industrial racking, we tripled our storage capacity to 105 skid spaces, enabling us to take in much larger quantities of donated food.
2. Forklift & Battery-Powered Walkie – The addition of a forklift and a battery-powered walkie revolutionized how we move pallets around the warehouse. These tools saved considerable labour hours, allowing our team to work more efficiently and safely while significantly increasing the speed at which we process incoming donations.
3. Cooler Curtains – Temperature-sensitive food storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of perishable items. The new cooler curtains have improved our cold storage capabilities, ensuring that fresh food stays fresh longer and reducing spoilage.
4. Other Equipment Upgrades – New aluminum platform trucks, a pressure washer, and a five-step rolling safety ladder have further streamlined our operations and enhanced safety in the warehouse.
Scaling Food Access through Groceries from The SEED
Groceries from The SEED, Canada’s first sliding-scale online grocery store, has also played a pivotal role in distributing this donated food. In 2024, we expanded the free and affordable food options available through the store, enabling more community members to access healthy food at a price they can afford—or even for free. The additional warehouse capacity means that more food can be stocked, packed, and delivered to meet the growing demand from our members.
A Community Effort, A Shared Success
The journey from $1.2 million in donated food to $2.2 million wasn’t just about logistics and infrastructure—it was about partnerships and community support. We’re deeply grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for believing in our vision and providing the resources we needed to scale up. Their investment didn’t just help us increase our food capacity; it also empowered us to serve more families, reduce food insecurity, and build a stronger, more resilient community.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to finding innovative ways to increase food access, reduce waste, and support the well-being of everyone in Guelph-Wellington. With the continued support of partners like the Ontario Trillium Foundation and our dedicated community, we’re excited to see what new milestones we can achieve in 2025.