Tackling Food Poverty: A Community’s Effort

Kelli McRobert | Dec 18, 2024

Food poverty is a pressing issue affecting many communities, including ours. With the rising cost of living and economic instability, many families find it challenging to put food on the table. This past week, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the South Frontenac Food Bank in Sydenham, and it opened my eyes to the urgent need for community support and action.

The reality of food poverty

Food poverty, as the name states, goes beyond just hunger. It encompasses the lack of access to nutritious and affordable food.

Many local churches and community groups continue to help those who struggle with attending a formal food bank and are resistant to seeking assistance through traditional means by offering discreet and accessible options for food and necessities.

A day at the food bank

Volunteering at the food bank was both a humbling and enlightening experience. From sorting donations to checking expiry dates, I witnessed firsthand the volunteers' dedication and hard work in ensuring food reaches those in need. The new Grace Centre addition is designed with discretion in mind and has no visible signage. This approach ensures clients can attend their scheduled appointments with privacy and dignity.

The food bank is a lifeline for many. Fresh produce is harvested and made available from the Southern Frontenac Community Services (SFCS) gardens during the summer. Cheese, meat, and eggs come from various organizations and are based on community needs and monthly detailed statistical reports. Three large industrial freezers stand ready, packed with the coveted proteins most of us take for granted. To better serve the community's needs, sugar, flour, and other baking supplies are divided into smaller portions from larger bags. This approach ensures more families have access to essential baking ingredients. Clients can review their hamper and remove or supplement it based on their needs to reduce food waste.

Community contributions

Jody Riddle, the Food Bank Coordinator for South Frontenac Community Services, said that “the support from local businesses and residents is the backbone of our food bank. Donations of food, funds, and time significantly affect how many families we can support.”

Jody is also not above cutting coupons and finding the best deals to save the organization money in a time of rising food costs. She also juggles multiple calls from residents offering up a variety of items, such as wood, quickly matched up with residents in need of heating fuel.

Seeing the community come together to combat food poverty is heartwarming and more important than ever. Schools have actively joined the cause, raising awareness through campaign blitzes, making substantial donations, organizing school challenges, and encouraging students to complete their volunteer hours on-site.

The food demand continues to grow, as does the need for sustained support. Food Banks Canada noted that “since 2018, when the number of March visitors was 1.09 million, it has since jumped to 2.05 million (per month!) in 2024, which is +90% pre-pandemic numbers and 23% of families…leaving the average household only $6.67 each day to pay for rent and utilities”.

The importance of nutritious (non-expired) donations

While all donations are appreciated, there is a particular need for nutritious and non-perishable items. Healthy food options such as canned vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources are essential Donors are encouraged to consider the nutritional value of their contributions and expiry dates to help promote better health outcomes for recipients. Sorting and noting expiry dates takes volunteers hours before shelf stocking begins. Recently expired items are offered gratis for the taking, while over-extended dates are emptied and recycled.

For more information on food donation and consumption, please check out secondharvest.ca.

How you can help

Combating food poverty requires a collective effort. Here are some recommended items for donation: oatmeal, barley, high-fiber cereals, and whole-grain pasta are excellent sources of fiber and essential minerals. Lean Proteins: canned tuna, chicken, peanut butter, beans, and lentils. Canned fruits and vegetables. Milk Alternatives: Shelf-stable milk, powdered milk, almond milk, and rice milk. Baby Supplies: baby cereals, jarred baby foods, diapers, and formula. Personal Care Items: Soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other hygiene products are essential for daily living. Pet Food, Bags: plastic, paper, and re-usable. Financial donations are incredibly valuable. They allow food banks to purchase fresh perishables and help with bill payments and expenses as needed.

In the heart of winter, the need for support is critical

Contributions are particularly needed as we head into the winter season. In time for Christmas, SFCSC was contacted by a generous donor who will match any $ donation made from now until January 17th, 2025. Donations can be made by cash, cheque, e-transfer, or the SFCSC website. For more information, contact SFCSC at 613-376-6477 or see details at www.sfcsc.ca.

In North and Central Frontenac, contact the North and Central Frontenac Food Bank at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information about services and donations, or call the order line at 613-279-8855 (messages from this line are picked on Mondays and Thursdays)

Feel the need to feed

No matter how small, every contribution brings us closer to ensuring no one goes hungry. Let's unite, support our local food banks, and spread the message of compassion and generosity. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.

Feel the need to feed and make a lasting impact today.