FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY. NO MATTER WHAT.

Last spring, we asked for help with a number of urgent needs, including more freezer and cooler space and a new forklift.

More than 75% of the 5,995,195 pounds of food acquired, coordinated, and distributed to local community programs, agency partners and provincial food banks last year was touched by a forklift. Having an adequate number of forklifts is essential to our operations.

Not long ago, 70% of the food we received was in boxes or cans. Non-perishable food is forgiving – it can sit on shelves for days and doesn’t require refrigeration. Today, more than 64% of the food donations we distribute is fresh or frozen. This is incredible for community health but comes with a new set of challenges.

Donations of perishable food must be moved quickly to a refrigerator or freezer in order to maintain the cold chain. Otherwise, the food will spoil, rendering it useless. The only way to keep food moving efficiently through our warehouse was to purchase a new forklift.

The community’s response to our request was extremely generous and thanks to the community’s support, we were able to purchase the essential new equipment. Our new reach forklift has allowed us to deliver more food where it’s needed most.

In February, we didn’t know what an unusual year 2020 would become. But thanks to your support, we were able to help our community navigate COVID-19 and feed more hungry neighbours.

We truly cannot do this without you. Having your continued support in 2021 means we can overcome the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 to keep feeding hungry neighbours in our community. Give online now at thefoodbank.ca/winter.