Newmarket Food Pantry is among nine food banks and pantries that will benefit from the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) Nurturing Hope spring food drive.
The third annual event launches March 29 with 83 participating schools, including six in Newmarket, accepting donations to support vulnerable children and families in the region.
“As a Catholic faith community, we find grace in serving where there is need,” said YCDSB chair Elizabeth Crowe in a news release. “Now more than ever, our neighbours across York Region are facing uncertainty about the future on so many levels. Our board is proud to be reaching out once again with the Nurturing Hope initiative, and commends staff, students and families for their remarkable work and generosity.”
According to a 2021 report from Feed Ontario, the largest group of hunger-relief organizations in Ontario, 592,308 adults and children accessed a food bank in Ontario between April 2020 and March 2021 — a 10 per cent increase from the previous year, and the largest single-year increase since 2009.
In 2020, Food Bank York Region provided food to more than 24,000 York Region residents, while 7, 432 Newmarket residents were served by Newmarket Food Pantry.
“It’s been a challenging year for so many, but the resolve of our York Catholic community continues to demonstrate that we are a true force for good,” said Angela Lomuto-Corriero, Nurturing Hope Spring Food drive lead and principal at St. Padre Pio CES. “We are thrilled to be back, and look forward to welcoming new and returning donors to this great cause.”
Drop-off bins will be located at the front doors of participating schools from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until April 8 for non-perishable food items and personal care essentials.
Donations can be made to Newmarket schools on the following dates:
- St. John Chrysostom Catholic Elementary School and St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School, Tuesday, March 29;
- St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Elementary School and Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School, Wednesday, March 30;
- Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary School, Thursday, March 31;
- St Paul Catholic Elementary School, Friday, April 1.
The full list of participating schools and designated collection dates can be found on the collection day calendar. Reminders and event updates will also be promoted through the schools’ social networks and via @YCDSB.
The nine food banks and pantries benefiting from the food drive are Newmarket Food Pantry; Richmond Hill Food Bank; Keswick Food Bank; Aurora Food Pantry; King Township Food Bank; Georgina Food Pantry; Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank; Markham Food Bank; Vaughan Food Bank.
