The holidays are a time for celebrating with family and friends, gathering around the table and sharing traditions. But for too many families across Barrie, this season brings the added worry of how they will put food on that table.
As Barrie Food Bank launches its “Hunger Free Holidays” campaign, the organization is calling on the community to come together to help neighbours facing food insecurity.
This year's campaign has an ambitious goal of raising $1 million and 500,000 pounds of food to help ensure individuals and families have access to nutritious food throughout the holiday season and into the challenging winter months.
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Last month alone, Barrie Food Bank supported 7,893 client visits, representing a fourfold increase in demand over the past five years. Among those seeking assistance were more than 2,500 children and nearly 450 seniors, a reminder that food insecurity affects people of all ages and circumstances.
“Behind every one of those visits is a person or family trying to make ends meet,” says Karen Shuh, Executive Director of Barrie Food Bank. “We see parents working hard to provide for their children, seniors struggling on fixed incomes and families facing difficult choices between paying their bills and buying groceries. These are our neighbours, and they deserve to know their community is here for them.”
This holiday season, donations can make an even greater impact.
To inspire community giving, Sandra Bertram and Barsand Holdings Ltd. have stepped forward with an extraordinary $50,000 matching gift to Barrie Food Bank's Hunger Free Holidays campaign. Every dollar donated by the community will be matched, up to $50,000, doubling the impact of their generosity and helping ensure families have access to fresh, nutritious food this holiday season.
Barrie Food Bank encourages residents, businesses, schools, faith communities and community organizations, if they are able, to get involved by donating food, making a financial contribution or organizing a holiday food drive.
Financial donations are particularly valuable, allowing the food bank to purchase fresh produce, milk, eggs, meat and other nutritious foods to complement donated items and provide families with a balanced selection of groceries.
“Food insecurity doesn't take a holiday, and neither does the need for our services,” adds Shuh. “Our community has always demonstrated incredible generosity, and we're counting on that spirit once again. Everyone deserves the comfort of knowing there will be food on the table, especially during the holidays. Together, we can turn hunger into hope.”
Give Food. Give Funds. Give Hope.
To support the Hunger Free Holidays campaign:
- Donate funds: Visit www.barriefoodbank.org to make a secure financial contribution.
- Donate food: Drop off non-perishable food donations at Barrie Food Bank or in participating Barrie grocery store collection bins.
- Organize a food drive: Bring together your workplace, school, neighbourhood or family to collect food and funds.
Every donation, large or small, makes a difference.
