Whether the grocery store needs more food handlers, or a food drive requires additional drivers, a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) will ultimately help Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank provide better service for its clients, the organization’s director says.
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank representatives and government officials gathered on Tuesday (April 22) in Cobourg to mark a $149,600 Resilient Communities Fund (RSF) grant through the provincial government’s OTF.
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini was at the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank to hear directly from the staff about the impact of the grant that it received for 2023-2025. The two-year grant was used to enhance the food bank’s volunteer management strategy.
“The investment in the volunteer management system will improve the experience of our neighbours as the core services that Fare Share provides are dependent on our dedicated volunteers,” Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank director Elizabeth Edwards told kawarthaNOW.
“By retaining the volunteers that we have and ensuring that all programming has a sufficient complement to deliver those programs, the neighbours have better quality and more efficient experiences when they are accessing those programs. The volunteer management system also provides valuable data and insights to make informed decisions about how the programs are delivered, such as a perhaps a food drive needing more drivers or the grocery store needing more food handlers,” Edwards explained.
“Our volunteers are critical to delivering our core programming and when we can organize, engage, and retain those volunteers, they are best equipped to provide the best service to our neighbours.”
The RCF funding is part of the OTF grant program, which was designed to help non-profit organizations rebuild from the challenges created by the pandemic.
“All Ontarians deserve access to good food, even when they are struggling,” said Piccini in a statement.
“I am proud that Ontario is supporting an incredible local organization so they can improve their volunteer strategy and provide assistance for those who need it.”
The grant was used by the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank to hire a full-time volunteer coordinator and implement the new online volunteer management system.
“We are thrilled to receive this vital funding from the (OTF’s RCF),” said Meghan Flindall, executive director of the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank.
“This grant will significantly strengthen our ability to serve the community, ensuring that no one in Northumberland County goes hungry. With this investment, we can enhance our volunteer management, reach more people in need, and continue to support individuals and families through challenging times. We are deeply thankful to the (OTF) for their commitment to addressing food insecurity.”
The Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank is a community non-profit organization that aspires to create a hunger-free community where every individual has access to nutritious food in Northumberland County. The food bank aims to foster community connections and collaborations to ensure that no one goes hungry and believes that every individual has the right to access food with dignity and respect.
The OTF is an agency of the Government of Ontario with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province.
Last year, OTF invested nearly $105 million into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.
