Video by Drew Armstrong
Before people can get food from local charities, it has to get there first.
That’s where Connect the Dots Community Harvest steps in.
Founded in 2017 by Tim Kelly, the charity collects food that might otherwise go to waste from local grocery stores, bakeries, and farmers markets, and helps it get to the people who need it at dozens of different organizations across the city.
Kelly came up with the idea in 2016, when he saw how the influx of refugees at that time were struggling to get by – but the operation quickly expanded to help others in need, as well.
“It became apparent very, very quickly that it's not just refugees – it's seniors, it's children, it's students, it's families struggling to feed their kids, and it's the unhomed and the people who are struggling with mental illnesses,” Kelly told SooToday.
“To me, don't waste good food – let's get it to these people, help take care of them. That's the least we can do for them.”
When Connect the Dots started, it rescued around 10,000 pounds of food per year.
Now, with a complement of 18 volunteers and a brand new van, the charity rescues over 10,000 pounds of food per month.
“In 2025 we will hit 120,000 pounds. In 2026, 200,000 pounds is a reasonable target,” Kelly said.
“This van has made a huge difference to what we're able to do, and we've also built up our bunch of volunteers.”
For videographer Drew Armstrong’s latest video, SooToday spoke with Kelly and others involved in local food rescue efforts to learn more about what they do in Sault Ste. Marie.