WELLINGTON COUNTY – Recent data from Feed Ontario shows the number of people visiting food banks across the province doubled between 2019 and 2023.
In Wellington County, more residents are turning to food banks for support as the holiday season approaches, with all locations across the county reporting an increase in demand.
As such, local food bank officials continue to advocate for community involvement and donations, particularly at this time of the year.
Centre Wellington
“Our numbers, and they have been for the past several months, are the highest that they’ve ever been,” said Curt McQueen, executive director of the Centre Wellington Food Bank (CWFB).
“We are double our general usage; we are double the numbers we were at two years ago.”
McQueen said the increase in demand has been “across the board,” with all demographics seeking assistance.
“So that is young, single individuals, that is seniors, typically seniors who are on their own, and that’s people with families … as well as, unfortunately, a growing homeless population in the community where we’re reaching out and supporting them the best we can,” he said.
Some of CWFB’s most in-demand items this holiday season include hygiene products such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products and diapers. And food items such as peanut butter, pasta and pasta sauce, canned pasta, canned tomatoes and large cans of soup.
“We’re continuing to accept both food donations, financial donations and gift card donations to support our holiday programs,” he said.
McQueen added food bank officials will be at the Elora and Fergus Santa Claus parades accepting food and monetary donations.
The food bank, located at 12-105 Queen St. W. in Fergus, is open on Tuesdays from 10am to 4pm, Wednesdays from 1 to 7:30pm, Thursdays from 10am to 4pm, and Fridays from 10am to 12pm.
For more information or to make a donation, visit cwfoodbank.org or email McQueen at cwfoodbank@wightman.ca. To request support from CWFB, call 519-787-1401.
The Centre Wellington Food Bank is located at 105 Queen St. W. in the Fergus Marketplace.
Erin, Guelph/Eramosa
East Wellington Community Services (EWCS) operates two food banks: one each in Erin and Rockwood.
They offer a monthly food hamper program where clients receive a hamper containing one week’s worth of groceries. The hampers include fresh, frozen, canned and dry foods, as well as hygiene products and pet food when available.
EWCS is currently accepting donations in preparation for their Holiday Hamper program.
Clients of the food bank will receive a hamper filled with a festive meal, fresh produce, holiday treats and gift cards to purchase food and a gift for themselves or loved ones.
In-demand items include, kids’ snacks, “Sidekicks” pouches, cooking oil, canned pasta, rice, and instant coffee. A full list can be found at eastwellingtoncommunityservices.com.
Donations can be dropped off at 45 Main St. in Erin and 143 Dennis St. in Rockwood. Monetary donations are also accepted in person at either location or online.
For more information or to request support from EWCS email Stephanie Conway at stephanie.c@ew-cs.com or call 519-215-1468.
Drayton
“We see a consistent demand throughout the year, with a few more people accessing the food bank for support at Christmas,” said Drayton Community Food Bank director Lauren DeVries.
“We serve a lot of families, but also have seen an increase in seniors over the last couple of years.”
People can bring food or monetary donations to the Drayton Reformed Church at 74 Wellington St. S.
In-demand items include school snack type items such as granola bars, apple sauce, fruit cups, cookies and crackers.
The food bank will be accepting Christmas hamper requests from clients until Dec. 11, with hampers being distributed on Dec. 21.
“The Drayton Kinettes are running a toy drive and families will have the opportunity to select toys for their children when they pick up their hampers,” said DeVries.
Those seeking support from the Drayton Community Food Bank can call 519-504-2346 or email draytonfoodbank@gmail.com.
(Unsplash image)
Clifford
Located in Knox United Church, at 11 Allan St. E., the Clifford Food Bank offers food hampers once a month to individuals and families in need.
To donate to the Clifford Food Bank, call 519-327-8588.
Clifford residents can request support by calling 519-327-8588 and leaving a voicemail with their name, address, phone number, size of family, and details of food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Donations of hams, turkeys, canned goods and holiday treats are appreciated for this year’s Christmas hampers.
Harriston
The Harriston Food Bank, located at 68 Elora St. S., is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12pm by appointment only.
To make a donation to the Harriston Food Bank, call 519-510-3663 and leave a voicemail to make arrangements.
In-demand items include hygiene products as well as canned goods, pasta and pasta sauce, and other non-perishable items.
Toy donations can be dropped off at Leslie Motors at 73 Elora St. S. in Harriston. The toys will be distributed with this year’s festive food hampers.
Residents of Harriston can seek support from the food bank by calling 519-510-3663 or by messaging the food bank through Facebook.
HARRISTON FOOD BANK (Advertiser file photo)
Palmerston
“Palmerston’s requests are up 38 per cent over the same period in 2023,” said Deanna Martin, chair of the Palmerston Community Food Bank.
“In all of 2023 we gave out 411 hampers; so far in 2024 we have given out 568 hampers.”
Martin added, “In previous years, about two per cent of our clients worked full time and requested assistance; in 2024 that number has grown to 28 per cent … we average about 15 hampers a week.
“The biggest increases we have seen demographically are in working families and single men.
“We have a few seniors who have asked for help this year since OAS and CPP no longer covers their rent, but most seniors are too proud to ask for help so they suffer in silence.”
In-demand items for the Palmerston food bank include peanut butter, cereals, pasta, rice, pasta sauces, Kraft Dinner, soups/stews, canned tuna/salmon, canned fruit, canned vegetables and school snacks of all kinds.
Easily prepared foods such as ramen noodles, soup in a cup, etc. are always appreciated as well.
The Palmerston food bank will be accepting Christmas hamper requests until Dec. 1, with hampers being distributed shortly thereafter.
“In 2023 we gave out 71 Christmas hampers, said Martin. “So far in 2024 we’re on track to do over 100.”
She added, “We have several people that only access the food bank at Christmas time; we encourage them to call for help if they need it.
“We also allow referrals within reason; if someone sees a neighbor or friend who is struggling, they can ask for help on their behalf.”
Anyone wishing to donate who wants a charitable tax receipt at the end of the year can donate cash to the food bank. Gift cards to local stores/restaurants as well as food items are appreciated for the Christmas hampers.
To receive support from the Palmerston Food Bank call 519-417-4774.
Deanna Martin, chair of the Palmerston Food Bank. (Advertiser file photo)
Arthur
“Demand for the food bank in Arthur is at an all-time high,” said Arthur Food Bank president Annette Brunkard.
“It has been steadily increasing and we expect this will continue, especially during Christmas and the winter as people’s expenses grow over the holiday season and during the cold winter months.”
According to Brunkard, over the past three months, the food bank has served approximately 200 households, including approximately 120 children.
Non-perishable food items and monetary donations will be collected along the Arthur Santa Claus Parade route on Nov. 30 at 7pm.
Items can be given to food bank volunteers who will be at the beginning of the parade. Monetary donations can be made via etransfer to arthurfoodbank@gmail.com.
Families can register for The Arthur Lions Hamper Program at the Wellington County Learning Centre. The application deadline is Dec. 12 with pickup for hampers on Dec. 20 at 146 George St.
Visit the Arthur TD Branch if you would like to make a donation to The Arthur Lions Hamper Program.
Arthur residents seeking support can call 519-848-3272.
Mount Forest
“In the last two weeks, we’ve doubled,” said Lee Nelson, chair of the Mount Forest Community Pantry.
“People are starting to buy for Christmas, and of course, you know they want their child to have a Christmas present, so your money goes so that the children aren’t disappointed at Christmas.
“Our numbers have doubled already, and we haven’t seen December yet. It’s going to be a tough year. I think it’s going to be one of our toughest and we don’t know why exactly.”
In-demand items this year include canned fruit, juice, cookies, Hamburger Helper, instant potatoes, and other minimal-ingredient meals.
Donations can be dropped off at the M&M Food market, 160b Main St. N. in Mount Forest or at Pop’s Cannabis at 286 Main St. S.
“A lot of the stores are really good to us, and they have boxes, and people can add to it,” said Nelson.
“Our town is very generous – very, very generous.”
Mount forest residents seeking support can call 519-323-9218 or email mfcommunitypantry@hotmail.com.
