Food for Thought in Frontenac

Jeff Green | Mar 12, 2025

By  Doug Estock

I think everyone regardless of circumstances is very aware of inflation and the effects on food prices.  For many of us it is just an irritation, and does not put a substantial burden on us.

However, what if it did? Can you imagine struggling to feed yourself or your family? Imagine the heartbreak of not being able to feed your children property!  Imagine, trying to balance your living expenses to ensure there is enough money left for food!  How do you manage unexpected expenses, higher heating costs, clothes for kids etc?

In Canada we are fortunate to have a society that provides for the less financially fortunate, but the reality is some do go hungry at times. Life can be difficult.

One of the safety organizations is Food Banks. Food a most basic requirement.

In our community we are fortunate of have good public support for the North and Central Frontenac Food Bank. That organization is funded by local donations, and operated by a group of volunteers who happily contribute their time.

There is another reality, the Food Bank has experienced increasing demand for its services particularly in the past few years due to higher food costs. The Food Bank purchases the bulk of its food requirements from cash donations made by the public. The Food Bank is struggling to keep up with the higher demand. For most of the past year the Food Bank has been running monthly deficits. This has not been a serious concern yet, as the Food Bank has reserves to cover monthly shortfalls. This however is a concern for the longer term.

Demand for the services of the Food Bank has increase substantially over the past two years. From 2022 to 2024, the total number of Food orders given out has increased by over 30%.  The total expenses for the Food Bank in 2024 were 60% higher than they were in 2022. The vast majority of that increase was due to the increase in the cost of food and the higher demand of food orders.

While the volunteers have been attempting to reduce costs, by various means, there is a limit to how effective this can be.  The reality is the Food Bank needs to source some additional revenues to keep up with growing demand and costs.

The community has been very supportive of the Food Bank, with many individuals, businesses, churches and other organizations providing ongoing support.  “The Times They are a Changing” (thanks Bob Dylan) and there is a need to reach out for broader support from those who may have not thought of supporting their community Food Bank in the past.

Supporting your local community and its citizens makes for a happier, healthier and more caring community.

How can you help?

The most important way to help is by making monitory donations. Tax receipts can be provided.

You can also support organizations that are running campaigns to support the Food Bank.

 Offer food donations, they are also welcome.

Volunteer your time and skills. At times the Food Bank is in need of new volunteers to fill various positions.

Please consider visiting the Food Bank’s website.

www.ncffoodbank.ord

Donations can be made by e-Transfers to:

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