The Newmarket Food Pantry reflected on a successful but trying year that saw it serve more than 4,800 households with $1.3 million worth of food donated.
The charity has released its 2021 numbers to highlight how much it was able to achieve. The food bank recorded more than 13,000 visits over the course of the year, along with more than 11,000 volunteer hours to help manage them.
Executive director Adrian Bain said they are humbled and honoured to have got so much support throughout 2021.
“So many individual supporters, local business, schools, and organizations have continued to step up to ensure we are continuing to be able to provide our neighbours in need with a little bit of extra help,” Bain said.
The pantry saw tonnes of donations throughout the holiday season, as well as throughout the pandemic. It has helped meet an increased demand, with the pantry distributing more than 440,000 meals. Bain said the number of first-time users has doubled over the past couple of years, although said food insecurity was on the rise even before the pandemic.
“Although our numbers have plateaued for now, if history is any indication, we will be seeing a major spike in usage in the upcoming years ahead. Our team is currently planning and bracing for this impact,” he said.
The pantry has expanded recently to offer 14 days worth of emergency food supplies to a family each month. It is also working on some new initiatives, such as a community fridge coming outside the Newmarket Public Library, as well as a new community kitchen at its facility in the spring. The food pantry is seeking agencies, schools and chefs to use their new commercial kitchen and said you can reach out to [email protected] for details.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor expressed appreciation for their efforts.
“Thank you for making Newmarket a better place for everyone to live. Thank you for supporting people in our community who need a little help. Thank you for everything you do,” Taylor said on social media.
Despite the expected future pressure, the food pantry said it believes that Newmarket will continue to rise to the challenge.
“Time and time again, this community comes together in times of difficulty, there is no divide when a child or senior’s basic right to food is being jeopardized,” Bain said. “From speaking with so many of our key community stakeholders, there is a profound sense of altruism over obligation.”
