We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Ardis Proulx-Chedore, Manager of the Cochrane Regional Foodbank and Neighbour to Neighbour Thrift Shop. Ardis is pictured second from the right.

What is your role in food banking?

I am the manager at the Cochrane Regional Food Bank. We service our own community as well as the surrounding communities’ food banks with needed resources. This takes a lot of scheduling and dealing with rural northern Ontario issues.

What are your pronouns?

She/her

Describe a typical day in one word.

Frantic

What was your inspiration to get involved in food banking?

I worked for the municipality in the public sector for 13 years, and wanted to make more of a difference. I saw first hand how my community and the surrounding areas were affected by food insecurity issues. When I was a young child, my family needed to use the food bank when my father was injured in an accident. The kindness in that time of need has forever motivated me in supporting the cause whenever I can.

What is your greatest achievement in your current role?

Reducing our product waste to 2% in a year. .

What is your greatest challenge in your current role?

Getting my food banks all using the Link2feed program and staying away from kidney beans.

If you could have one wish granted that would address hunger in Canada, what would it be?

I would have to say consistent funding for all food programs, food banks or otherwise, so we can ensure that no one goes hungry.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to know how to skate!

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

It’s going to be okay 🙂 You may not change the world, but you can help where you can.

Who are your heroes?  Fictional or real-life.

Whoppi and Lady Gaga. 

What is your idea of happiness?

Bills paid, kids happy, and full belly. I don’t need anything more.

What is your motto?

Live the best you can, and be the change you want to see.

Something quirky about you that others may not expect or know?

I am more content at home with my kids than anywhere else in the world. But if I won the lottery, I would still work.

Your theme song?

Frantic – Jamie O’Neal