With a significant rise in demand for food support, as well as a hike in operational costs, the Food Bank of York Region said is under pressure to increase financial donations or face program cuts to the more than 80 local agencies receiving food.
The food bank said in a news release that in the first two months of the year, compared to the same period last year, the number of children served by its network is up 24 per cent, adults served are up 21 per cent, and total households served are up 20 per cent.
“These statistics underscore the critical need for our services in the York Region,” said Alex Bilotta, chief executive officer of the Food Bank of York Region. “This is a call to action for the community to come together and help us raise the funds we need to maintain our current level of operations. Without additional assistance, our ability to sustain our programs is in jeopardy.”
Every monetary donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of York Region residents that require food support, he added.
The Food Bank of York Region (FBYR) serves as the regional food collection and distribution hub for York Region, serving a network of more than 80 food pantries, schools, shelters, and non-profit community organizations. FBYR supports food programs in the nine municipalities of York Region, including the Newmarket Food Pantry, serving more than 30,000 individuals in nearly 8,500 households.
For more information, visit the website.
