Greetings!
As 2023 draws to a close, we are reaching out to friends of the Pantry to share the highlights of our year, and the many ways your support has made a difference in our community.
While food banks across the country have grappled with significant increase in demand this year, the Aurora Food Pantry has been able to maintain a consistent level of service for an increasing number of households in Aurora and north Oak Ridges. Executive Director Sandra Seepaul has worked wonders to accommodate this spike in visits. In addition to welcoming clients by appointment, the Pantry has been accommodating emergency visits for neighbours in need and stocking our new mini-Pantry at the front of our building with non-perishable items for those who stop by after hours. We have also continued our robust delivery program created during the pandemic, including a regular delivery program to a local seniors’ residence where seniors are feeling the pinch of increased food costs on a fixed income. And, thanks to our generous donors, we have been able to sustain our distribution of grocery gift cards on a quarterly basis to assist our clients with purchasing food items that aren’t available at the Pantry.
Here are a few highlights of our year:
· We are now beneficiaries of Second Harvest’s reclamation program, which has been an important source of non-perishable items at a time when demand is outpacing food donations. We are also fortunate to have the support of our local grocers and regular donations from COBS Bread.
· In April we recognized the hard work of our volunteers with several initiatives during Volunteer Appreciation Week, including a special video message from Mayor Tom Mrakas acknowledging their important contributions to our community.
· In May, we held our Annual General Meeting at the Aurora Seniors Centre and Chair Allison Stuart and Vice-Chair Dale McInnis concluded their terms on the board. We are pleased to take over as co-chairs and thankful that Allison and Dale remain active volunteers and champions of the Pantry and our clients.
· The spring also marked our first giveaway of planters, soil and seeds to our clients, for those who would like to plant their own vegetables.
· In June, we participated in the second annual Give Where You Live Food Drive that takes place across York Region to benefit local food banks.
· In July and August, we provided clients with school-aged children with supplementary bags of nutritious snacks and fun summer treats, to help families through the summer months when kids are home from school.
· Starting in July we began to see our client numbers increase significantly. This trend has escalated to the point that we are now serving over 1000 clients per month and purchasing more and more of the food we distribute.
· In November, we were fortunate to be a beneficiary of the Tim Horton’s Holiday Smile Cookie campaign. This support will help us to make the holidays a little brighter for the families we serve.
· We are purchasing and distributing turkeys for each household visiting the Pantry in December.
· Thanks to a community initiative led by board member Dave Jackson and engaging the Town of Aurora, the Aurora Seniors Centre, Home Hardware, and the Salvation Army, we installed three additional mini-Pantries in the community in December. These cupboards, placed in well-lit outdoor spaces at Town Hall, Aurora Community Centre, and Northridge Community Church, will ensure those in need can feel comfortable accessing non-perishable food items at any time.
· Finally, the holiday season would not be complete without the food drives facilitated by the OPP Auxiliary from November 18 to December 16 at local grocery stores. Thank you as well to York Regional Police for hosting a food drive on our behalf!
There are a few important items on our to-do list before the end of the year. We are in the process of purchasing a three-door stand-up freezer and stand-up fridge, supported in part by a grant from York Region. These more reliable units will replace some very old chest freezers in our client service area, allowing for easier access to food, better rotation of stock, and a more dignified Pantry experience.
None of this would be possible without the tremendous support of our community through financial contributions, food donations and thousands of volunteer hours. Community Living York South has been visiting the Pantry on a monthly basis and doing an incredible job helping out! We are grateful for all of the groups who have visited us at the Pantry and the many schools holding food drives on our behalf, as well as for the many Town of Aurora, Farmers Market and other community events benefiting the Pantry, such as the incredible I Believe in Christmas campaign. Thank you to our hardworking staff and volunteers for making the Aurora Food Pantry a warm and welcoming place to visit, and to everyone who helps ensure that no one in Aurora or north Oak Ridges goes hungry.
If you are in a position to #givewhereyoulive this Holiday Season, we are very grateful for your support – donations can be made directly to The Aurora Food Pantry through CANADAHELPS.ORG
We wish you all the best for the holiday season and 2024!
On behalf of the clients, volunteers, staff and Board of the Aurora Food Pantry,
Elizabeth Matthews Ed Villamere
Co-Chair Co-Chair