The SEED Wins $10,000 in Meridian’s Small Business Big Impact Awards and Advances to Finalist Round for $50,000 Grand Prize 

 

Press Release 

February 6, 2026 

 

Guelph, ON – The SEED, a community food project of the Guelph Community Health Centre, is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of Meridian Credit Union’s 15 Small Business Big Impact Award community winners, receiving $10,000 in recognition of its innovative, community-driven approach to building a better local food system. The Meridian Small Business Big Impact Awards celebrate small businesses and community organizations that make meaningful contributions to their communities and the environment. This year’s winners were selected from more than 6,000 nominations across Ontario.  

As a community award recipient, The SEED now advances as a finalist for the Ontario Votes Grand Prize, an additional $50,000 awarded to one organization through public voting. Voting is open now through March 2, 2026, and Ontarians are encouraged to cast their vote to help determine this year’s grand prize winner.  

 

About The SEED 

The SEED is a project of the Guelph Community Health Centre focused on creating a community with no barriers to healthy food. Through programming, partnerships, and social enterprise initiatives, The SEED works to address poverty, promote health, and build a resilient local food system rooted in dignity, equity, and community care. 

Since 2015, The SEED has grown into a leading community food initiative offering innovative programs and social enterprises that increase both physical and financial access to nutritious food. Its work includes Groceries from The SEED, sliding-scale community markets, the Upcycle Kitchen, Fresh Food Rx, and food-growing initiatives such as Shelldale Farm Park. Together, these programs are designed to address the root causes of food insecurity while building a more just, equitable food system.  

“We are honoured to receive this recognition from Meridian and thrilled to be among such inspiring organizations across Ontario,” said Melissa Kwiatkowski, CEO at the Guelph Community Health Centre. “This award strengthens our ability to create community-led solutions to food insecurity and brings visibility to the power of collaborative, equitable food systems.” In 2025, The SEED moved more than $3.5 million worth of food through the community, supporting thousands of households across Guelph and Wellington County. 

 

How the Community Can Help 

The SEED is calling on supporters, partners, and community members to help secure the $50,000 Grand Prize by voting online. The funds would be used to strengthen and expand programs that increase access to healthy food for individuals and families facing food insecurity.  

 

Vote for The SEED before March 2, 2026
https://www.meridiancu.ca/business-banking/meridian-small-business-big-impact-awards