NEWS RELEASE
FOOD BANK OF YORK REGION
**************************
Food Banks Canada (FBC) has provided the Food Bank of York Region (FBYR) and its network of food and meal providers with funding for the purchase of grocery gift cards and fresh and healthy food. The funding for this program was granted via the Government of Canada’s $25.8 million Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Emergency Food Security Fund.
This additional emergency funding will help to ensure continued access to food for people experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As the regional food bank, supporting our network of food pantries, social service agencies, and social housing is one of our top priorities,” explains Alex Bilotta, Founder and CEO of The Food Bank of York Region. “Purchasing fresh healthy fruits and vegetables provide nutrition that clients may not be able to afford, and grocery gift cards help clients purchase foods specific to their individual needs.”
The disbursement of funds will be determined by the number of food-insecure individuals served by each qualifying organization within the FBYR’s network, based on the most recent data from the 2021 year. The goal of the grant is to support the diverse and varied needs of the FBYR’s network in the most impactful ways.
“This contribution of grocery gift cards for the Georgina Food Pantry will continue supporting families in need in our community. Without a doubt, those experiencing poverty and food insecurity have been affected hardest,” stated Cesar Caneo, Executive Director of the Georgina Food Pantry. “A big thank you to The FBYR for the continued collaborative partnership we maintain for the betterment of our shared food insecure communities.”
Many of The FBYR’s community partners have expressed their gratitude for the grocery gift cards and have explained just how helpful this monetary donation will be and how far it will stretch for their clients.
“These gift cards will be very helpful for many of our clients with special needs, who are struggling for their daily sustenance, and getting the most needed dietary items during these challenging times,” expresses Naumana Khan, Executive Director, Humanity First Food Bank. “We’re very thankful for the coordination by the FBYR in helping us receive these gift cards.”
For More Information on the FBYR’s efforts to combat food insecurity in York Region, or to volunteer, donate, or get involved, please visit www.fbyr.ca today.
**************************
