In a recent episode of Funding Tidings on CHCO-TV, host Jay Remer spoke with Blair Hyslop, co-CEO of Mrs. Dunsters and chair of Greener Village's Thrive campaign. Their conversation highlighted Greener Village's innovative work as a leading food security organization and its transformative Thrive campaign aimed at creating Canada's first Perishable Food Recovery Centre.

Contrary to its common perception as a traditional food bank, Greener Village operates with a broader mission. As Hyslop explains, the organization provides food baskets to 2,000 families monthly and runs a multi-acre facility near Fredericton. This site features a retail thrift store, a teaching kitchen, greenhouses, beekeeping operations, and community gardens. "We take a holistic approach to addressing food security issues," Hyslop noted, reflecting the organization’s comprehensive strategy to support the community.

The Thrive campaign aims to raise $6.5 million to build a state-of-the-art Perishable Food Recovery Centre. Hyslop describes the concept behind the initiative: food banks often receive large donations of perishable items, such as "truckloads of fresh carrots," which pose logistical challenges. The new centre will include a triage area for assessing incoming food, a kitchen for processing and freezing, and cold storage facilities. This infrastructure will enable Greener Village to repackage, process, and preserve these donations, thus extending their usability and reducing waste. Hyslop said that the centre will provide "fresh, nutritious meals and options to all the food banks in the province," demonstrating its significant impact across New Brunswick.

Hyslop’s dedication to this campaign is rooted in a long-standing commitment to food security and community service. With over 30 years in the food industry, Hyslop and his wife, through Mrs. Dunsters, aim to use their expertise for community benefit. They prioritize impactful engagement over financial contributions, as Hyslop explained, "We try to amplify our impact by getting involved with charities to assist them with strategic planning or governance."

Their efforts have resulted in over $15 million raised for various charities in the past decade. Hyslop attributes this success to their ability to mobilize community support and execute effective strategic initiatives. When Greener Village approached them with the Thrive campaign, Hyslop saw an opportunity to leverage their skills and drive the initiative forward.

The discussion also addressed the broader issue of food insecurity. Hyslop noted the surge in food bank usage due to factors like food inflation and economic changes. The Perishable Food Recovery Centre aims to meet both immediate and long-term food security needs, allowing excess donations to be processed and used throughout the year.

Hysplo highlighted the role of community engagement in addressing food insecurity. Hyslop emphasized, "There is no 'they.' There's just us," stressing that everyone has a role in supporting initiatives like the Thrive campaign. He encourages individuals and businesses to use their unique skills and resources to contribute to such efforts.

As the campaign nears its goal, Hyslop reported that they have raised $5.8 million of the $6.5 million target, achieving 92% of their objective. He envisions this model potentially being replicated across Canada, transforming food security nationwide.