WINGHAM – As a child, the Sherpenzeel family faced a variety of health issues.
“Whenever one of my parents required surgery or extended stays at the hospital, the community would rally together to provide my family with a meal every evening,” David Sherpenzeel, co-founder and president of Homegrown Land Banks Group said in a release. “It was a simple act that meant so much to myself and my parents.”
Through all the generosity, one meal is particular stands above the rest in his memory.
“One of my Mom’s friends brought a roast, mashed potatoes, maple glazed carrots, rolls, and pie for dessert,” he recalls. “That night was special. It wasn’t lasagna for the seventh time; it was a moment of peace.”
He said that the simple act of kindness allowed his family a moment of peace and to forget about their problems for just one night.
“When I think back, it was that moment that sparked my interest in good food and its importance in our lives,” Sherpenzeel said.
He said it was what led him to not only starting his own business with his business partner Jef MacPherson, Homegrown Land Bank Group and Homegrown Food Basket store located in Wingham, but also the company’s latest initiative rightly named the Homegrown Helping Hands.
“The truth is, we’ve all had our struggles at some point or another in this life,” Sherpenzeel said. “Whether it’s a battle with illness, the loss of a loved one, overcoming mental health challenges, or the loss of a job; we’ve all faced low points. During these times, it can be difficult to think about something as simple as “What’s for Dinner?” Homegrown can provide a Helping Hand.”
Homegrown Helping Hands is a meal basket that can be ordered for someone you know who
may be struggling or you can provide it as an anonymous donation. Homegrown will then work with local food banks, churches, and shelters/support programs to find a family in need.
These baskets include a meat (chicken, ham, or roast), potatoes and seasonal vegetables (with seasonings), appetizers, rolls, and a dessert. A vegetarian option is available. Recipe cards will also be included. For each basket ordered, Homegrown Food Basket will be making a donation to the North Huron Food Share program.
Delivery of these baskets will be available to Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey and Wellington Counties as well as Guelph, Kitchener/Waterloo, and London.
These baskets will be available until Dec. 24, 2021.
“Let’s all work together to spread a little cheer this fall,” Sherpenzeel said. “One simple act of kindness can change a life.”
About Homegrown
Homegrown Land Bank Group Ltd. is an Agricultural Development Firm that uses a Project Management Approach to achieve its goals outlined by the acronym SOIL: Sustainability, Ownership, Investment and Living Wage.
Homegrown Food Basket is the company’s brick-and-mortar location in Wingham which sells local produce both in-store and online.
Learn more about Homegrown online at www.homegrownlandbankgroup.com, shop online at www.homegrownfoodbasket.com, or follow the company on their social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
