Many of the programs at the Local are delivered in partnership with a range of organizations, including:
Each organization brings unique strengths to a partnership. We contribute our expertise in food, gardening, and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces around the table. We also reserve a few program spots for direct referrals, while opening remaining spaces to the broader community.
Our partners typically provide additional staffing expertise, funding to support program costs, and shared promotion.
In some cases, organizations face barriers to connecting with people in their own spaces. When possible, we offer space within our building or existing programs to help make those connections.
Examples include:
Use of our space must fit within our existing hours, availability, and programming, and align with our mission and mandate.
While not required, financial contributions toward operating and maintaining our space are appreciated.
Sharing space and resources in this way supports our partner organizations and helps ensure that marginalized members of our community are introduced to our space, and know they will be welcome and comfortable to join us.
Our Community Access Market point-of-sale system allows organizations to purchase gift cards for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Organizations such as Stratford Social Services, Stratford Family Health Team, Children’s Aid Society, and local shelters purchase these cards in bulk for distribution to their clients.
We ask that organizations making bulk purchases cover the cost of the gift cards and any associated administrative fees. This reflects the fact that food in our market is not marked up to cover operating costs—every dollar on a gift card goes directly toward food.
We receive many requests to host groups or events at the Local. Due to our small team and full schedule of programs, we are generally unable to accommodate event hosting. We do not rent our facility for private events such as weddings, personal gatherings, or independent program ideas.
However, we are open to discussing opportunities when:
Examples of past partnerships include the Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale and Sustainable Bites, in collaboration with the SDSS Eco Team and Climate Momentum.
All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account staff capacity and space availability.
Many groups are interested in learning more about food insecurity and the work we do at the Local. The best way to understand our work is to experience it firsthand.
We encourage interested groups to connect with us to book a talk and tour during one of our community meals or market times. We can reserve space for your group, provide a guided tour and overview of our work, and invite you to share in a community meal.
Please book in advance so we can notify our chef and ensure a staff member is available to host your group.
Please note that all programming and events are scheduled at least three months in advance. We are not able to accommodate additional requests on short notice.
All partnership requests are coordinated through our Executive Director. Please reach out by email (executivedirector@thelocalcfc.org) with your idea, and they will connect with the appropriate staff members to explore it further.
Grab your friends and enjoy a fabulous night of food, games, and auctions!
Saturday, November 21st, 2026
Last year tickets sold out in 14 days!!!! Get yours before they’re gone!!!!