With inflation on the rise and the cost of living rapidly increasing, Niagara food banks are struggling to keep up with demand. Nearly 75,000 individuals in Niagara are experiencing food insecurity, with children representing 40% of those who visit Niagara based food banks.*
For the fourth year in a row, we are asking the public to help us “ReStore the Community” with a fall food drive benefiting three local non-profits. From September 25 to October 5, Niagara residents are invited to bring non-perishable food items to any of the three Niagara ReStores, where they will receive a coupon for 25% off their entire purchase.
Anyone who has a donation pick-up scheduled during that week can also pass along non-perishable food items to the ReStore driver and receive a coupon in exchange.
“We started the food drive back in 2020, when our local food agencies and support organizations were facing unprecedented challenges because of COVID,” explains Mark Carl, CEO of Habitat Niagara. “But with rising inflation and the increasing cost of living post-pandemic, our community food banks continue to struggle to meet demand. We’re asking anyone who can spare some extra groceries to bring them into the ReStore and we’ll ensure they get to those who need them.”
Each ReStore is supporting a food bank in their area: the St. Catharines location is collecting for Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold, the Grimsby location for GBF Community Services, and the Fonthill location for the The Hope Centre.
Items of greatest need include:
- Canned meat
- Hearty soups & stews
- School-safe snacks
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta & pasta sauce
- Packaged side dishes (i.e. Sidekicks)
Last year we collected a combined 1,563 pounds of food, a number we’re hoping to surpass this year.
Donations can be dropped off between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday at any ReStore location:
- Grimsby: 185 South Service Road
- Fonthill: 2499 Highway 20
- St. Catharines: 150 Bunting Road
The food drive runs from September 25 to October 5.
*Sources: United Way Niagara, Feed Niagara
25% offer valid until October 5, 2023 on regular priced items. Excludes kitchens and sale items. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Valid at Niagara ReStore locations only. One-time use only. Coupon must be surrendered at time of use. Cannot be redeemed for gift certificates or cash.