Durham Region Municipalities Raise Food and Funds

Durham Region area municipalities are proud to announce that they have collectively raised food and funds equivalent to more than 6,750 meals for those in need, during Hunger Action Month in September.   

Hunger is an important issue that affects individuals, seniors, and families throughout the Region. As Durham Region continues to rapidly grow and food prices increase, more people are experiencing homelessness and/or using food banks and related services than ever before. Since 2020, food bank visits have surged over 250 per cent in Durham Region, according to Feed the Need in Durham. 

Last month, food and monetary donations were made by residents, community organizations, businesses, and municipal staff who showed an outpouring of generosity to fight local hunger. All donations will be leveraged by Feed the Need in Durham and other area food banks, like Durham Community Action Group, Salvation Army, Community Development Council Durham and Christian Faith Outreach Centre, to support local families in need. 

Durham residents can continue to fight local hunger by donating to Feed the Need in Durham or other local food banks. View Feed the Need in Durham’s Wish List of most desired food items. Feed the Need in Durham is also always on the lookout for volunteers who want to make a positive difference in our communities.  

Quick Facts

  • Together, the municipalities collected and donated 1,350 lbs. of food, and $2,811 through the online donation option, which is the equivalent of 6,750 meals. 
  • Almost 37,000 unique individuals accessed a Feed the Need in Durham food bank between April 2024 and March 2025. 
  • Last year Feed the Need in Durham partnered with the Town of Whitby to open a new market-style food bank, to provide fresh, frozen and non-perishable food items to individuals and families in need. The market aims to offer more choices and meet diverse dietary needs, while addressing the increasing demand for food bank services.  

For media inquiries, contact:

Sam Paterson, Interim Supervisor of Communications and Engagement 

Town of Ajax 

Phone: 365-885-1202 

Email: Samantha.Paterson@ajax.ca  

 

Tamra Kaiser, Communications and Tourism Coordinator 

Township of Brock 

Phone: 705-432-2355 x 232 

 

Melissa Westover, Manager, Strategic Communications and Initiatives 

Municipality of Clarington 

905-623-3379 ext. 2019  

Email: mwestover@clarington.net  

 

Corporate Communications 

City of Oshawa 

905-436-5686 

 

Nicole Hann, Coordinator, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications 

City of Pickering 

905.420.4660 ext. 2028 

nhann@pickering.ca 

 

Lori Bowers, Director of Community Services and Communications 

Township of Scugog 

Phone: 905-985-7346 

Email: lbowers@scugog.ca 

 

Sierra Miller, Communications Officer 

Township of Uxbridge 

Phone: 905-852-9181 x 509 

Email: smiller@uxbridge.ca 

 

Erin Mikaluk, Manager, Communications and Creative Services 

Town of Whitby 

Phone: 289-314-6913 

Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca 

 

Melanie Correia, Director of Development and Communications 

Feed the Need in Durham 

Phone: 905-571-3863 

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