Latest news with #FoodBanksCanada
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
The Honourable Percy P. Mockler Joins Food Banks Canada Board
Peter Singer Appointed Board Chair; Ryan Bahadur Named Vice Chair TORONTO, July 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Food Banks Canada's board of directors voted Peter Singer as its new Chair, alongside new Vice Chair Ryan Bahadur, and welcomed new board director, the Honourable Percy P. Mockler. Singer has been a member of Food Banks Canada's board since 2020 and previously served as Vice Chair. As the Chair of Thomas, Large and Singer, he brings a wealth of food industry, logistics, and supply chain experience to the role and has been honoured with the Golden Pencil Award by the Food Industry Association of Canada. A member of Food Banks Canada's board since 2022, Bahadur is continuing his contribution as the board's new Vice Chair. Bahadur holds a CPA and currently serves as VP Finance for Keurig Dr Pepper, Canada, where he leads all finance and information technology functions. Retired Senator and six-term Member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, the Honourable Percy P. Mockler has joined the board of directors. Mr. Mockler served as a Senator for 15 years, representing the Province of New Brunswick. He was the Chair of the National Finance Committee, the Agriculture and Forestry Committee, and many other senate committees. He has always been a strong supporter of Food Banks Canada on Parliament Hill and has often emphasized the government's obligations towards people who are experiencing poverty. "With food insecurity at an all-time high in Canada, we're grateful to have people like Peter, Ryan, Percy helping us drive meaningful change," says Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley. "Our board is made up of amazing directors; together, they bring expertise in the food industry, food banking, strategy, financial oversight, government policy and more. And they're all passionate about our vision: a Canada where nobody goes hungry." We are grateful for the continuous support from Food Banks Canada's returning Directors: Past board Chair Mary-Jo Hewat, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities at Sagen MI Canada Treasurer Rosemary McCrie, a Finance Consultant with McCrie & Mundy Professional Services Secretary David Long, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Ilya Bahar, retired PwC partner John Bayliss, CEO, Mastermind Toys Linda Beairsto, Partner at McCarthy Tétrault and President of MT>Align Marjorie Bencz, Executive Director of Edmonton's Food Bank Tony Chow, President of Coke Canada Bottling Barbara Gosse, CEO of Trellis Canada Dany Hétu, Executive Director of Moisson Rive-Sud June Muir, Chief Executive Officer of UHC – Hub of Opportunities Daman Thable-Rayat, Corporate Secretary and Counsel of Infrastructure Ontario. About Food Banks Canada Food Banks Canada is the leader in addressing food insecurity in Canada. Our mission is to provide national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast to coast to coast. For over 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping people living in Canada with food insecurity. Over 5,500 food banks and community organizations come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours, who – this year – made over 2 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Since 2010, Food Banks Canada has shared over $1 billion in food supports and over $275 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while, backed by leading research, advocating for meaningful actions from governments to counter hunger and its root causes. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit to learn more.
Cision Canada
21-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Celebrating the 2025 Food Banks Canada Partner Awards
Honouring the organizations whose extraordinary commitments supporting the mission of relieving hunger today and preventing hunger tomorrow TORONTO, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - In 2024, thanks to its valued partners and donors, Food Banks Canada was able to distribute millions of pounds of food across the country and invest millions of dollars in food banks and other community organizations serving people experiencing food insecurity. Food Banks Canada's Partner Awards program shines a spotlight on remarkable contributors to these collective achievements. The honorees were selected based on their total contributions in 2024, the significance of their impact, and their engagement with our mission of relieving hunger today and preventing hunger tomorrow. "At Food Banks Canada, our partners are the driving force behind everything we do," says Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer Food Banks Canada. "Thanks to their unwavering support, we're able to deliver high-quality food to those facing hunger, strengthen the capacity of food banks across the country, and take meaningful steps toward addressing the root causes of food insecurity." Beardsley adds, "The recipients of the 2024 Food Banks Canada Awards have gone above and beyond in their commitment to ending hunger in Canada. We're deeply grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing this vital work together—raising the bar higher every year." Food Banks Canada is excited to celebrate the following award recipients: Product Partner of the Year To meet clients' needs and fill gaps in food donations, food banks are now buying more food than ever before. Kraft Heinz offers relief from that budgetary strain by providing a consistent supply of high-demand products, such as pasta sauce, and nutrient-rich products, such as peanut butter. In 2024, Kraft Heinz gifted almost two million pounds of newly produced food to food banks across Canada. It was delivered at regular intervals, meaning that food banks and the people they serve could count on these products. To organizations and families that face a great deal of uncertainty, the significance of a predictable supply of staple products is hard to overstate. Services In-Kind Partner of the Year In-kind services such as food transportation and warehousing are essential to Food Banks Canada as they work to distribute large-scale food donations throughout the national network of food banks. In 2024, Lineage Logistics played a vital role in the food supply chain by providing temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics solutions. Their ongoing partnership with Food Banks Canada provides the storage required to preserve and keep food before it reaches the people who need it most. Lineage Logistics also donates excess food in collaboration with their partners, further adding to their valuable contribution. Funding Partner of the Year Food bank use has almost doubled since 2019. Food Banks Canada relies on strong, long-term partnerships to help food banks grow their capacity and rise to this urgent challenge. In 2024, Walmart Canada renewed their partnership with Food Banks Canada to execute their annual Fight Hunger. Spark Change fundraising campaign, which directs millions of dollars to local food banks and supports Food Banks Canada's national mission each year. Walmart is also one of the founding partners of its Retail Food Program, which provides an ongoing stream of nutritious food donations from local stores. So far, through these programs and others, Walmart Canada has helped to bring the equivalent of over 200 million meals to our neighbours in need! Foundation Partner of the Year As the last line of defense against hunger, food banks should be accessible to each and every person who needs them. Yet, our research shows that there are millions of people in Canada facing barriers to access, such as a lack of transportation, opening hours that aren't compatible with their work schedules, or even stigma and shame. With financial support from the Rossy Foundation, Food Banks Canada's Access Grants empower food banks to break down barriers and increase access for all. The Rossy Foundation also supports our Capacity Boost grants, Northern Capacity Grants and Standards of Excellence Grants, all of which help food banks and community organizations to expand or upgrade their reach, infrastructure and services. These investments in Food Banks Canada's programs help equip food banks to meet the needs of both today and tomorrow. Growth Partner of the Year 7-Eleven Canada has been a dedicated partner to Food Banks Canada since 2013. Customers look forward to the annual Slurpee Name Your Price Day, during which they can pay any amount for a large Slurpee, with all proceeds supporting Food Banks Canada. This past year, 7-Eleven Canada more than doubled its significant annual donations with a round-up program, asking customers to support the food bank network by rounding up their purchase amount in support of Food Banks Canada. 7-Eleven Canada also collaborates with their vendors to add to their support and expand their partnership with Food Banks Canada year over year. New Partner of the Year Food Banks Canada is delighted to welcome Maple Lodge Farms as its new partner of the year. They've been enthusiastic and flexible, open to exploring new ideas to step up for our communities. Food Banks Canada was proud to be chosen as the primary beneficiary of Maple Lodge Farms' 2024 Tournament of Dreams golf fundraiser. In addition to $200,000 in proceeds, Maple Lodge Farms also donates their chicken product to food banks to support families and communities in need. These quality protein foods are extremely valuable to food banks, which aim to offer well-rounded nutrition to their clients. About Food Banks Canada Food Banks Canada is the leader in addressing food insecurity in Canada. Our mission is to provide national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast to coast to coast. For over 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping people living in Canada with food insecurity. Over 5,500 food banks and community organizations come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours, who – this year – made over 2 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Since 2010, Food Banks Canada has shared over $1 billion in food supports and over $275 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while, backed by leading research, advocating for meaningful actions from governments to counter hunger and its root causes. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit to learn more.
Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Port Cares launches Canal Days 50/50 draw as food insecurity rises
With food bank visits in Canada hitting a record high, Port Cares is sounding the alarm and calling on the South Niagara community to help those in need by supporting its annual Canal Days 50/50 draw. According to Food Banks Canada , food insecurity across the country has reached unprecedented levels, with more than two million visits to food banks recorded in March 2024 alone, the highest monthly total in Canadian history. In a press release Wednesday, Port Cares emphasized the national crisis is being felt acutely at the local level. 'This isn't just about a chance to win,' said Christine Clark Lafleur, CEO of Port Cares. 'This is about putting food on the table for children, seniors, and working families in our community who are facing the hardest times of their lives. Every ticket helps us feed someone who might otherwise go without.' National data from Food Banks Canada shows that one in four Canadians are now experiencing food insecurity. One in three food bank clients is a child. At the Reach Out Centre ran by Port Cares, more than 30 per cent of those served last year were children. 'We're seeing more and more people who have never needed help before,' said Clark-Lafleur. 'People working full-time, seniors on fixed incomes, newcomers trying to build a better life, and they're walking through our doors hungry.' Funds raised through Canal Days 50/50 draw will go directly to the Reach Out Centre, which supports thousands of individuals across South Niagara. The draw, which launched this summer, has already surpassed $7,000 and continues to grow. Tickets for the draw can be purchased online at or in person at Port Cares at 92 Charlotte St. in Port Colborne. Early-bird prizes include a Hisense 4K Smart TV to be drawn on July 18 and a $500 grocery and gas gift card on Aug. 1. 'With food banks across Canada hitting a breaking point, community-driven efforts like this one are more critical than ever,' Port Cares said . Clark-Lafleur said that every ticket sold helps people in need. 'When you buy a ticket, you're not just entering to win,' she said. 'You're standing up for someone in your community. You're saying I care and I want to help.' To buy tickets or for further ways to support the fundraiser, visit . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Food bank faces record demand and donation decline as summer pressures mount
FILE - In this 2018 photo, kids eat lunch at an elementary school. (Ellen O'Nan/The Paducah Sun via AP) As the summer season begins, the Barrie Food Bank reports record-breaking demand for assistance at a time when donations are typically at their lowest. In May, donations to the food bank were down $13,000 compared to the same time last year, while client visits continue to rise. 'May brought 7,460 visits, a record high for us,' said Karen Shuh, executive director with the Barrie Food Bank. Shuh said the surge in demand includes a growing number of children and seniors. Last month, the food bank served nearly 2,600 children under 18 and more than 330 seniors - both new records. "We're seeing more and more people accessing our services due to job loss, reduced hours, rising rent, mortgage renewals and the general cost of living," the executive director added. Shuh highlighted that food insecurity can happen to anyone. 'Many are first-time visitors who never imagined needing a food bank, which is becoming a growing theme." With school now out, the food bank expects need to continue rising as many families will face additional expenses like daycare and summer camp. Recognizing the growing need to support children during the summer break, Food Banks Canada stepped in with support through its 'After the Bell' program - so for the first time, Shuh said Barrie would receive funding to provide nutritious, child-friendly food packs to local children in need. And Shuh said it couldn't have come at a better time. 'The summer months are historically lean for donations.'
Cision Canada
23-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Food Banks Canada and Saputo join forces to tackle hunger from coast to coast to coast with a $450,000 commitment
TORONTO, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Food Banks Canada is thrilled to announce that it has joined forces with Saputo, one of the top dairy producers in the world, to address hunger from coast to coast to coast. With a commitment totaling $450,000 over the next three years, Saputo will support Food Banks Canada's work and national mission, providing hope and relief for people facing food insecurity across the country. Through this partnership, Saputo will also contribute to Food Banks Canada's After the Bell program, which brings nutritious, kid-friendly food packs to children during the summer months, ensuring they get what they need to stay healthy and strong when school-based meal programs are unavailable. Together, Saputo and Food Banks Canada are working towards a simple but urgent mission: building a future where no one in Canada goes hungry. "As a dairy processor, we believe we have a responsibility to tackle food insecurity and support our communities in growing stronger and more resilient," said Saputo's Haig Poutchigian, President and Chief Operating Officer, Dairy Division (Canada). "We're proud to partner with Food Banks Canada and to be part of a solution that helps address immediate needs while contributing to long-term change." Food insecurity has been on the rise in Canada. "The need for food banks in Canada has nearly doubled in only five years, to the point where they will receive over two million visits this month alone," says Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer of Food Banks Canada. "More than ever, generous partners such as Saputo are critical to the well-being of our communities," Beardsley adds. "Each day for the next three years, their contribution will help ensure that parents can feed their kids, new Canadians can settle in, seniors can fill their cupboards, and struggling people can make ends meet. Our partners also empower us to advocate for changes and take on the root causes of food insecurity." Learn more about Food Banks Canada and how to lend your support at About Food Banks Canada Food Banks Canada is the leader in addressing food insecurity in Canada. Our mission is to provide national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast to coast to coast. For over 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping people living in Canada with food insecurity. Over 5,500 food banks and community organizations come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours, who – this year – made over 2 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Since 2010, Food Banks Canada has shared over $829 million in food supports and over $245 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while, backed by leading research, advocating for meaningful actions from governments to counter hunger and its root causes. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit to learn more. About Saputo: Saputo, one of the top ten dairy processors in the world, produces, markets, and distributes a wide array of dairy products of the utmost quality, including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products, and dairy ingredients. Saputo is a leading cheese manufacturer and fluid milk and cream processor in Canada, a leading dairy processor in Australia and the top dairy processor in Argentina. In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products. In the United Kingdom, Saputo is the leading manufacturer of branded cheese and dairy spreads. In addition to its dairy portfolio, Saputo produces, markets, and distributes a range of dairy alternative products. Saputo products are sold in several countries under market-leading brands, as well as private label brands. Saputo Inc. is a publicly traded company and its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SAP". Follow Saputo's activities at or via Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
