United Way Elgin Middlesex is strengthening its commitment to rural communities through a focused, localized investment strategy. As part of this strategy, United Way has launched Community Impact Advisory Committees in Aylmer (Elgin County) and Strathroy-Caradoc (Middlesex County). These committees bring together local leaders, service providers and community members to understand existing resources, identify critical service gaps, and prioritize actions to better support residents—especially those living in or at risk of poverty.
Through the work of the Aylmer Advisory Committee, it was identified there was a clear and pressing need for improved food infrastructure at our local high school. With this need in mind, United Way Elgin Middlesex applied to the federal School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) that is part of the $62.9 announcement in the Budget 2024, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). This advocacy led to a successful application, helping ensure that East Elgin Secondary School students and their families receive the support they need. The SFIF will support the purchase and installation of infrastructure and equipment to enhance the capacity to produce, process, store, and distribute food through school food programs.
Kids need access to nutritious food at school so they can learn, grow, and reach their full potential. That is why the Government of Canada is taking action to strengthen wider community and local food systems through investments in infrastructure that expand the reach and impact of school food programming.”
Locally, Aylmer Corner Cupboard Food Bank and East Elgin Secondary School will receive funding through the SFIF to support school food infrastructure upgrades. East Elgin Secondary School has been awarded $53,250 to enhance its food programming space—an investment that will support long-term improvements in meal delivery and student well-being.
Aylmer Corner Cupboard, a vital community partner in this initiative, will also play a key role in improving food access for families in the region. Their mission is to provide support for families in need in the East Elgin area.
Rural communities have distinct needs that demand community-driven solutions. Thanks to the leadership of our local advisory committee—and the partnership of organizations like Aylmer Corner Cupboard and East Elgin Secondary School—we’re able to bring national investments like the School Food Infrastructure Fund directly into the community. Together, we’re building more resilient systems that support every child and family, no matter where they live.”
Learn more about United Way Elgin Middlesex and its rural initiatives or the School Food Infrastructure Fund.
