Food Security

At NACCA, food is culture, connection and community.

We are proud to lead local food security efforts that honour Black food sovereignty, promote wellness and reconnect our community to the land. With deep gratitude, we continue to cultivate partnerships and spaces that make healthy, culturally relevant food more accessible for Black residents and our broader community.

Grocery Gift Card - Food Relief Program

The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) launched its Food Security initiative in August 2020 with initial funding from the Canadian Red Cross Society. The program was created to support African, Black and Caribbean (ABC) community members facing disproportionate impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

What began as a rapid response has grown into a trusted support program that helps ensure community members in our local community and across York Region have access to healthy, culturally relevant food during times of financial hardship.

What We Offer

Through our food security program, NACCA provides:

Monthly grocery gift cards:

$100 per household for families
$50 per month for individuals living alone

Fresh produce grown through NACCA’s community garden, in partnership with Access Harvest and supported by York Region Food Network

A respectful and confidential intake process led by our staff.

Who is Eligible

This program supports Black Individuals and families in our local community (Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury) who are navigating financial hardship or experiencing food insecurity.

Click here to apply for grocery support

Submitting the form does not guarantee immediate support. A NACCA team member will follow up with you based on program availability within 5 -7 business days.

Questions?
If you have questions about eligibility or need assistance completing the form, please contact us at: [email protected]

With Gratitude

We are thankful to our funders and community supporters, including:

Mazon Canada
John Howard Society of York Region
Magna International
Access Harvest
York Region Food Network
Individual donors and dedicated volunteers

Your support helps ensure that Black households in our community have equitable access to nourishing food.

Community Garden - Fresh Produce Program

Thanks to the generous support of York Region Food Network, NACCA was granted space at Mulock Gardens in Newmarket to grow food for the community. This opportunity has been brought to life through our core partnership with Access Harvest whose team has shared invaluable expertise, mentorship and weekly hands-on support. Together, we are growing in knowledge and nurturing sustainability.

This Work is Rooted in Partnership
We are grateful to our partners and volunteers who make this work possible:

Access Harvest – Lead growing partner and technical advisor
York Region Food Network – Garden plot provider and food security ally
Our Volunteers – The heartbeat of this initiative

Fresh Produce Pickup

Free Weekly Produce Pickup
NACCA Headquarters (449 Eagle St, Newmarket)
Every week, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Between 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Who is Eligible

This program supports Black Individuals who are seeking culturally relevant food, navigating financial hardship or experiencing food insecurity across York Region.

Each week, we offer a rotating selection of fresh, locally grown produce, harvested with love by community volunteers. Availability varies by season.

Sign Up Here to Reserve Your Time Slot

Signing up helps us prepare enough bags and avoid waste. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to those who register.

Get Involved

Want to support NACCA’s food programs or volunteer in the garden or at our produce table? Email us at [email protected] or drop by on Wednesdays to learn more. Donate to the program HERE.

Got questions about growing your own food? Ask us here, our team and community gardeners are happy to help!