This section is Presented This section was produced by the editorial department. The client was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication. by HAVEN HOME HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING The food bank now serves about 112 households each day, highlighting how quickly demand has grown. Jun 24, 2026 • Last updated Jun 24, 2026 •
Kingston community advocate Michael Judd and Partners in Mission Food Bank executive director Dan Irwin stand next to the nearly 35 thousand pounds of pasta donated by Barilla Canada to the food bank in Kingston on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Photo by Bill Hall /The Kingston Whig-Standard
Tens of thousands of pounds of pasta were delivered to Kingston this week in what local officials called one of the largest single food donations ever made in the city, showcasing both community generosity and an increasing need for food assistance across Ontario.
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Two transport trucks brought nearly 35,000 pounds of pasta – around 40 pallets worth an estimated retail value of $170,000 – to Partners in Mission Food Bank. This shipment will be shared locally as well as throughout Ontario.
Thanks to Barilla Canada’s donation, this will provide approximately 200,000 servings for families dealing with food insecurity.
“Food insecurity doesn’t look like what people think. It’s families choosing between groceries and rent. It’s seniors skipping meals. It’s kids going to school hungry,” Kingston community advocate Michael Judd said in an interview. “A donation like this matters immensely and I hope it encourages others to contribute as well.”
The Kingston food bank will serve as a regional hub , distributing some of the pasta to local organizations such as Society of Saint Vincent de Paul , Youth Diversion , and Independent Living Kingston , while sending most through Feed Ontario’s network.
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The executive director Dan Irwin stated that due to how large this donation is collaboration becomes essential.
“We’re planning on keeping around seven pallets for ourselves here at home; then we’ll send off most through Feed Ontario,” he said. “Thirty-seven pallets is just a lot for us here.”
Feed Ontario represents over 1,200 hunger-relief organizations across Ontario helping coordinate major donations so they can reach communities that need them most.
The situation has been getting worse across Ontario. In their latest hunger report noted that more than one million Ontarians relied on food banks last year alone with over eight point seven million visits – a record high that’s part of a sustained rise.
“We’ve assisted over eight thousand people already this year,” Irwin added.”Last year we helped nine thousand seven hundred seventy-eight total.”
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The current numbers reflect how quickly demand has grown,” he mentioned.
The Partners in Mission functions as a central distribution point within this region supplying smaller agencies along with meal programs. Their model-often described as hub-and-spoke-has gained popularity among food banks managing larger donations received from big suppliers.
“This system makes it easier for these big companies since they don’t want multiple deliveries,” Irwin explained.“One delivery handles everything.”
Michae Judd who coordinated this donation mentioned securing transportation without costs required working closely with private companies such as Conney’s Trucking Ltd., which managed shipping it all from Montreal.“Pulling out those extra delivery costs helps,” Judd pointed out.“I’ll be loading my SUV soon so I can deliver some directly myself.”
This has not loaded yet but your article continues below. You could say he’s spent years fostering partnerships with businesses and logistics providers making sure surplus goods make their way into food banks instead of being wasted because sometimes items may still be good despite damaged packaging preventing sales at stores.
“It feels wrong when usable products go straight into trash,” he remarked.
According organizers state that overall product support provided by Barilla amounts upwards exceeding four hundred-thousand dollars directed toward aid organization assisting communities surrounding Kingstons area within past few months! While receiving such significant contributions marks progress towards combating hunger issues overall reflects underlying gaps needing addressed where further involvement needed particularly producers whom may help assist fulfill remaining necessities! Judd emphasized saying :“Barilla shows what true generosity looks like! Just think if someone stepped forward willing contribute sauces alongside! Together we could transform mere plain spaghetti into proper meals providing hope!”
This has not loaded yet but your article continues below. Local leaders believe complimentary donations (like sauce) would allow them transform these shipments further enhancing completeness aiding families struggling financially right now.’s When considering context currently facing challenges existing Canadian Food Banks confirming unprecedented strains felt lately where nearly two-point-two million visits counted recorded just last month hitting highest figure recorded largely down effects linked rising cost living housing expenses impacting budgets dramatically! In light situation presented accordingly emphasizing importance notable contributions truly do affect lives even temporarily.”Seeing outpouring kindness inspires confidence knowing plenty around realize needs exist affecting everyone!”Irwin smiled warmly.”
