Expansion of the Community Vending Machine Program

What is this project about?

The Orangeville Food Bank is expanding its Community Vending Machine Program - an innovative, accessible model that brings nutritious, ready-to-eat meals directly into public spaces for those who need them most. Each vending machine is stocked daily with fresh, healthy meals and snacks prepared in our Community Kitchen, offered at only 25¢ per item.
We currently operate one machine at the Orangeville Public Library, which has quickly become a trusted source of low-cost, nutritious meals for the entire community. A second machine is about to be launched at the County of Dufferin offices, further expanding access for people who may face transportation or mobility barriers.
With the support of this grant, we plan to add a third vending machine at the Grand Valley Library, extending our reach into a rural community where access to affordable, fresh food is extremely limited. Once operational, all three machines will together provide approximately 35,000 healthy meals and snacks per year across Dufferin County.
Grant funding will be used to purchase ingredients, packaging, maintenance supplies, and transportation support to ensure all machines remain fully stocked and operational. This expansion will help the Orangeville Food Bank continue to meet growing demand, reduce stigma, and bring nutritious food directly to the people who need it, when and where they need it most.

Why is this project important to the community?

This project is important to our community because it removes barriers to accessing healthy, affordable food - especially for residents living in rural areas or those facing housing and transportation challenges. Dufferin County has seen a sharp rise in food insecurity in the past few years, and not everyone can reach the main food bank location(s) due to mobility, distance, or stigma. The vending machine program offers a compassionate, dignified way to reach people where they are - at the library, community hubs, and soon in Grand Valley - providing nutritious meals and snacks in an affordable and dignified way. It not only helps meet basic needs but also promotes inclusion, safety, and connection by ensuring that seniors, youth, and unhoused neighbours can access food easily and without judgment. This expansion represents a practical, community-driven solution to hunger and a stronger, more caring Dufferin County.
Target Completion Date
July 1, 2026
Location
3 Commerce Road
Orangeville
L9W 6V5

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