'Lifeline for our neighbours': Union donates to Barrie Food Bank

NEWS RELEASE
UFCW LOCALS 175 & 633
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Recognizing the increased demand facing food banks this year, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 175 and 633, on behalf of its 70,000 members, will be donating $200,000 to food banks and charitable organizations across the province.

On Dec. 1, Tony Morello, UFCW Local 175 executive board vice-president and union steward at Metro Collingwood delivered cheques for $3,000 to both the Barrie Food Bank and The Sharing Place in Orillia.

“We know that many of our communities in this province are in need of support. I’m proud of our executive board for choosing to not only make these donations each year, but to have increased it this year so we can extend that support to more organizations so they can continue their invaluable work,” said Shawn Haggerty, president of UFCW Local 175.

This year, the UFCW Locals 175 and 633 executive board approved an increase to the amount being donated to almost $200,000 — up from $90,000 last year. This has allowed the local union to extend its donations to 60 organizations this year.

Among the many services to their communities, the organizations supported with these donations provide: front-line food provision for families and individuals, hot meals for vulnerable community members, assisting with school nutrition programs, and food distribution and support through other area agencies and charitable initiatives.

"Wonderful to receive financial support from UFCW 175 and 653 to help feed our community. The Sharing Place works really hard to provide access to healthy food for those who are in need. Receiving financial support from community members is essential to delivering our programs and keeping up with the increased demand,” said Chris Peacock, executive director of The Sharing Place.

More than 21 per cent of the Orillia area is food insecure. The Sharing Place serves 2,200 individuals a month with a seven-day food supply, delivers food to 23 local schools to feed over 4,500 children per day through the School Fuel program, and cooks more than 1,500 healthy, ready-to-eat meals through their Meals-4-Change program.

“The support from UFCW 175 and 653 allows us to keep moving forward and providing access to healthy food through these vital programs,” added Peacock. “We could not do what we do without awesome community support like this and we are immensely grateful for their generosity during a time that is so important to help others."

Sharon Palmer, executive director of the Barrie Food Bank, emphasized the impact of this contribution. 

"While this is a joyous time of the year for many, it can be very difficult for those in need," Palmer said. "Whether it's the impact of inflation, soaring rents or sticker shock at the grocery store, we are seeing demand for our services double from this time last year.

"We are seeing record numbers across all metrics: first-time visitors, children, seniors, emergency food services, and the total number of individuals assisted. This donation from UFCW is more than just a monetary figure. It's a lifeline for our neighbours, ensuring that they have access to nutritious meals and the dignity that comes with it."

The local union will continue its donations to 60 organizations across Ontario in December.

UFCW Locals 175 and 633 represent more than 70,000 union members across Ontario working in most sectors of the economy including retail grocery and pharmacy, industrial, health care, hospitality, and much more.

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