Arks Harvest will be closing its Hawkesbury location later this month, bringing an end to just over two years of operation in the community.
The not-for-profit organization announced the closure of its store at 548 Main Street East, with Saturday, November 14, marking its final day of business.
In a message announcing the decision, Arks Harvest says the continued increase in the cost of fruits and vegetables, along with rising rent and electricity expenses, has made it increasingly difficult to keep the Hawkesbury location operating.
The organization says it is now looking at the possibility of introducing a delivery service to continue providing affordable food to customers in Hawkesbury.
Arks Harvest opened its Hawkesbury location in November 2024, bringing its affordable food-sharing program closer to residents who previously travelled to Vankleek Hill to shop.
The organization was established to make fresh, healthy and affordable food available to people regardless of their income. It operates as a not-for-profit program, relying heavily on volunteers and partnerships with farmers and local businesses to help keep prices down.
Unlike a traditional grocery store or food bank, Arks Harvest allows customers to purchase affordable produce while helping support a community-based food-sharing initiative.
The Hawkesbury opening was intended to make the program more accessible, particularly for residents who faced transportation challenges getting to Vankleek Hill.
While the Hawkesbury store is closing, Arks Harvest says its other locations will continue operating.
The organization’s Vankleek Hill store, located at 42 Mill Street East, and its Cornwall location at 1 Water Street East will remain open.
Arks Harvest says further information about a possible Hawkesbury delivery service will be provided as plans develop.
More information about the organization and its remaining locations is available at arksharvest.com.