MEDIA ADVISORY
June 9, 2020
COMMUNITY FUNDING AND COLLABORATION LEAD TO A NEW REFRIGERATED VAN FOR FOOD FOR LIFE
Food for Life is the recipient of a new refrigerated van, as the successful outcome of a community based, collaborative funding approach. This new van will be used across the Halton Region to meet the growing demand for fresh food by expanding safe food deliveries.
“We have seen a dramatic rise in the number of people seeking food assistance from Food for Life. We serve approximately 18,500 people monthly and we have seen a staggering 30% increase from this time last year driven largely by the impact of COVID-19” said Graham Hill, Executive Director of Food for Life. “It is community collaborations like this that help to provide more fresh and nutritious food to more people in need.”
The purchase of this specialized van has been made possible through both grants and financial contributions from The Oakville Community Foundation, Burlington Foundation, the Community Foundation of Halton North, Mercedes-Benz Burlington and MBB refrigeration Sales who also assisted in the retention and preparation of the vehicle, and residents Rick & Cindy Balaz.
“Recognizing the significant demand placed on food security during this pandemic and beyond, the Oakville Community Foundation, Burlington Foundation and the Community Foundation of Halton North, each rapidly launched new funding responses that enabled us to join together as Halton Region-based foundations to aid in the purchase for the new refrigerated van” stated the Foundations. “We are proud to be working together, with the support of our fundholders and donors, to provide this grant to address food insecurity locally.”
With Food for Life primarily sourcing, sorting, and shipping out fresh food, both time and safety are of the essence. Meat, dairy, fresh fruit, and vegetables are time-sensitive items and in high demand.
As this demand grew so did the support from the community “As engaged community members, when COVID-19 hit our community, we knew that we wanted to come together with others to ensure those on the frontlines can continue to deliver critical services to our most vulnerable residents” said Rick & Cindy Balaz.
This purchase will make a tremendous difference in the quality and quantity of fresh and nutritious food that Food for Life will be able to deliver to Halton residents now and for years to come.
Media Contact
Kimberly Calderbank
