Press Release

Orangeville Food Bank Announces Two Major Changes in Response to Community Needs: Creation of Dufferin Food Share and Upcoming Move to New Permanent Location

April 6, 2020

Like every organization in Dufferin County, we at the Orangeville Food Bank have recently had to adjust to the changing needs in our community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, we were able to anticipate a surge in demand and rapidly create Dufferin Food Share in partnership with several amazing organizations, including the Salvation Army, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, the Café at the Centre, Westminster United Church, the Children’s Foundation of Guelph Wellington, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Grand Valley Food Bank. 

As we continue to meet the needs of all those affected by the economic impact of the pandemic, we also continue to work in the background implementing our strategic plan to ensure we continue to be a sustainable community supported agency able to meet the needs of a growing community.  To this end, we realized that our building for the last several years was simply not large enough for our needs, and in 2019 we initiated the process to find a more suitable location. The Board and Executive Director worked with local realtors and ultimately found a building close to our current location and certainly more ideally suited for our purpose. After securing financing, we are in the process of purchasing the property and are currently working with several partners to develop a design and begin renovations.

What does this mean for the Orangeville Food Bank? It means we will be able to improve how we deliver service while, longer term, reducing our operating expenses. More importantly, what does this mean for our clients? It means that every client will continue to be able to access nutritious food in a supportive and dignified environment and we will be able to store more of it safely to meet the increased demand.

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on every facet of our nation and we at the Orangeville Food Bank are focused on meeting the needs of our local community today while preparing to continue to care for our community in the future.  In the coming weeks and months, we will share more information about this project but for now we will, along with our Dufferin Food Share partners, continue to be a neighbour helping neighbours.

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For more information, please contact:

Trevor Lewis, President, Orangeville Food Bank

trev@trevic.ca

519-938-1109

Dufferin Food Share Hours of Operation

Please use your local Food Bank

Shepherd’s Cupboard

Mel Lloyd Centre
167 Centre St, Entrance A,
Shelburne, ON L9V 3R7

Operating as usual
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Thursday 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Food Bank Response to COVID-19

March 16, 2020

Dear community members,
With growing concerns around COVID-19, Orangeville Food Bank wanted to provide you with an update on our
response to date and our commitment to our community moving forward. The health and safety of our staff,
volunteers, and visitors is of the utmost importance and we are following the lead of our local and Canadian
public health agencies during this important time.
We want to ensure the food bank remains a safe and comfortable environment for our visitors and, as such,
are doing the following:

• The food bank continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19 daily as well as local public
  health protocols and recommendations
• Our food bank is in regular communication with Feed Ontario, our provincial food banking representative,
  for ongoing updates
• Measures we are taking include:
  • Staff, volunteers and visitors are being encouraged to educate and take care of themselves and practice effective handwashing and good respiratory hygiene.
  • Regular cleaning protocols are in place to ensure a clean and hygienic workplace – with extra attention being paid to surfaces in public areas of our facility.
  • Soap for handwashing is always available for staff, volunteers and visitors to use frequently.
  • Staff and volunteers are being encouraged to monitor their own health and use good judgement when experiencing flu like symptoms by seeking medical attention and not coming to the food bank.
  • We have changed from a shopping model to a hamper model to minimize time spent at the food bank. Food Boxes including fresh and perishable goods will be provided in a “drive thru” type service effective immediately. Details can be found on our social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Please know that we are doing part to ensure the community remains safe and healthy, while continuing to
provide essential services to those in need. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide
ongoing updates to the community, as needed.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Heather Hayes

Executive Director
Orangeville Food Bank

COVID-19 Update

March 16, 2020

In response to the current concerns with COVID-19, the Orangeville Food Bank has made changes in the way we serve clients.
Our primary goal is to keep our clients and volunteers healthy while providing food for the community.
We have changed from a shopping model to a hamper model to minimize time spent at the food bank. Prepared boxes of food including fresh and perishable items which will be available for clients.
Our hours will remain the same, however we request that all clients please come to the back of the building and our volunteers will be on hand to assist you with the “drive thru/walk thru” process.

The Food Bank will be OPEN normal hours.

We request that anyone interested in making a donation of non-perishable food please do so at any of the donation bins at local grocery stores in Orangeville.

If you are interested in making a financial donation you can do so securely via Canada Helps.
Here is the link:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/orangeville-food-bank-caring-for-the-community/

Full information can be found on our website:
www.orangevillefoodbank.org

Orangeville Food Bank Hosts

3rd Annual “Coldest Night of the Year”

Jan 15, 2020

Orangeville, ON  January 20th, 2020 – The Orangeville Food Bank (OFB) is gearing up to host the 3rd Annual “Coldest Night of the Year” event. This year the goal is to raise $65,000 which would help cover the cost of the rent for an entire year. The event will take place Saturday, February 22nd with a 2km, 5km and 10km walking route.

The “Coldest Night of the Year” is a national event that benefits local charities. Tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of their homes and shine a light of welcome and inclusion. It is a family-friendly event that hopes to help the hungry and hurting in our community. Each step we take brings someone closer to safety, health and home. Together, we raise funds for the Orangeville Food Bank whose commitment and work transforms lives.

To register for the event visit www.cnoy.org/orangeville. Registration is now open. Participants can sign up to either walk or volunteer at the event. Walkers over the age of 10 can either pay a registration fee of $25.00 or fundraise to earn this year’s toque. Children under the age of 10 are free. Walking routes and registration information can be found on the website. Hot chocolate and a warm, light meal will be served to all walkers and volunteers after the walk. If you would like to become a corporate sponsor, please contact the Orangeville Food Bank.

Date: Saturday, February 22nd, 2020

Time: 4 pm – Registration opens

• 5 pm – Walk begins (all distances)
• 6 pm – Registration closes
• 6 pm – Meal service begins
• 8 pm – Route closes, meal service ends

Starting Location: Westside Secondary School

300 Alder St

Orangeville, ON

The Orangeville Food Bank is a not-for-profit organization that provides emergency food and supplies to 700 people a month in the Orangeville area. It is supported by approximately 100 volunteers and relies on food and monetary donations from our community. The Orangeville Food Bank believes in dignity and uses a points-based shopping system where patrons choose their own food. It is a member of Feed Ontario, one of the organizations in the Food Banks Canada Network.

CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE

11/26/2019

It’s the time of year when those in need could use our help that much more.

 We currently serve an average of 700 individuals per month. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and most especially at Christmas time. The most vulnerable in our community depend on our support.

We challenge you to 60,000 pounds of food in the month of December.

You can arrange a food drive, make a donation at any local grocery store or consider a donation through CanadaHelps.org

 With warm regards,

Savanaha O’Reilly, Food Manager
savanaha@orangevillefoodbank.org
CC: Heather Hayes, Executive Director
heather@orangevillefoodbank.org

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

10/02/2019

Last month we distributed 18,000 lbs of food to community members and agencies. Individuals, children and families are accessing the food bank in greater numbers than ever. We have seen an enormous increase in the number of seniors who access the food bank as pensions don’t keep up with expenses of daily living. With that in mind, we are asking for your assistance to help fill our depleting shelves.
We have set a goal of raising 20,000 pounds of food in the month of October. With the need for food continuing to grow, we are reaching out for support to help fill our shelves.
Items such as baby food, canned fish & meats, canned pasta, boxed cereal, canned stews & chili, canned fruit in water, peanut butter and crackers are at an all time low.
To help us reach our goal, you can arrange a food drive, make a donation at any of our local grocery stores or consider a donation through Canada Helps.
Help us make the difference this giving season.
With warm regards,
Savanaha O’Reilly, Food Manager
savanaha@orangevillefoodbank.org
CC: Heather Hayes, Executive Director
heather@orangevillefoodbank.org