Anishnabeg Outreach received a 2024 Community Grant to support their Guelph Spirit Bundle Program. This is an initiative that offers culturally informed food support, seasonal resources, and community connection for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) families in Guelph.
Thanks to this funding, Anishnabeg Outreach was able to expand their program, which provides bi-weekly food basket deliveries to FNIM households experiencing low income or food insecurity. Each household receives three bags of groceries: one with frozen items like meat and bread, one with fresh produce, and one with dry goods such as grains, canned food, and snacks. Families can also request additional essentials like hygiene products, diapers, pet food, cleaning supplies, or medicine made from traditional medicines such as sage and sweetgrass.
The program is about more than just giving out food, it’s about care, respect, and staying connected to culture. With support from this grant, Anishnabeg Outreach welcomed 77 new people (40 adults and 37 children) and gave out over 1,500 food bags in just six months. The grant also helped cover delivery costs, vehicle repairs, and admin work to keep things running smoothly. In December, 50 families in Guelph received personalized holiday gifts and stockings, bringing joy and a feeling of belonging during a time that can be difficult.
The Spirit Bundle Program is trusted and valued by the community they serve. It brings stability, helps build strong relationships, and connects families to other important supports, like Anishnabeg Outreach’s new mental health app, AONest, which will soon be shared with families in the program. It continues to offer strength and care, meeting urgent needs while respecting and celebrating Indigenous culture and community.