Whitby Food Bank Launches Urgent Drive After Supply Shortage

A food bank in Whitby, Ont., is organizing an urgent food drive on Saturday after running low on supplies earlier this month.

St. Andrew’s Community Food Bank had to close early on May 15 after helping around 800 individuals – more than half of whom were kids under 12.

“I’d given away everything, the snacks from our Sunday school program, treats I keep in my purse for my kids,” said director Emily Fern.

“There was nothing left.”

One person even used their last bus ticket to reach the food bank from Pickering but had to leave without anything, she mentioned.

Fern expressed her worries about meeting demand in the coming weeks, pointing out that the food bank has been facing increased requests alongside falling donations this year. One in four households in Durham Region is experiencing food insecurity, according to the region’s website.

“We’re using the food and supplies pretty much as fast as they’re coming in the door,” she stated.

Community Support Rises Following Closure

The food bank shared about its closure on Facebook on May 15, describing it as “one of the hardest days” it has ever faced. It was only the second time in 16 years that it closed due to lack of supplies, Fern noted.

Since then, Fern has observed a surge in community donations for the food bank.

Among these efforts were Grade 3 students Maven Espiritusanto and Charlotte Brown, who organized their own food drive. They gathered non-perishable items and sold Freezies to raise funds.

Charlotte Brown, left, and Maven Espiritusanto hosted a food drive for St. Andrew’s after their school shared that help was needed at the food bank. (Melissa Espiritusanto)

Brown’s mother, Leanne, explained that their school informed them about the need at the food bank which inspired them to take action. The girls have previously made regular donations at the food bank as well.

“We want them to see that there are community members in need and that it’s everybody’s responsibility to be a part of the solution,” Leanne added.

Fern expressed gratitude for how quickly people responded and believes they’ve gathered enough support to keep operating for at least another week.

Even with an increase in donations over recent weeks, many shelves at the food bank still remain bare. (Peter Turek/ )

For Saturday’s emergency drive, Fern mentioned they are particularly looking for lunchbox snacks for kids, high-protein shelf-stable foods and personal hygiene products.

Dwindling Donations Across Durham Region

<p Food banks throughout Durham Region have been noticing a drop in donations this year, according to Ben Earle, president and CEO of Feed the Need Durham. This organization serves as an emergency hub collecting and distributing food among 55 local groups.

Earle pointed out that rising living costs are behind this decline since many usual donors can’t afford to give anymore.

“They may not be struggling enough to require assistance themselves but if your grocery budget is tight due to rising prices you’ll have less available resources for supporting a local pantry,” he explained.

Earle emphasized that while food banks play a crucial role by providing immediate support they aren’t equipped enough tackle ongoing affordability issues.

“We’re dealing with a long-standing problem that’s taken decades shape, and we weren’t designed solve it,” he added.

Tracey Tyner Cavanagh , manager strategic partnerships priorities within region’s social services department , mentioned addressing hunger needs long-term solutions focused affordability housing stability.

“The cost living pressures families face very tough [and] make it hard secure nutritious meals.”

She also shared plans underway develop poverty response program aims better understand local conditions devise solutions.

Residents seeking emergency assistance related nutrition can find comprehensive listings all area pantries through region’s website , she concluded.

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