Food insecurity across the province is on the rise at an alarming rate, and our local communities are not immune to this concerning trend.
In response to this growing need, highlighted in the recently released Feed Ontario 2024 Hunger Report, GrandBridge Energy Heldonated a total of $10,000 to the Cambridge and Brantford Food Banks and $2,000 to student nutrition programs.
”With food insecurity at record-breaking levels, GrandBridge Energy is honored to continue our tradition of donating to local food banks and student nutrition programs to ensure no one in our community goes hungry, especially this holiday season,” said Sarah Hughes, President & CEO of GrandBridge Energy.
GrandBridge Energy’s $5,000 donation to the Cambridge Food Bank, which serves the City of Cambridge and the Township of North Dumfries, will be used to provide health and wellness programming for 450 children and youth in the area. Along with addressing nutritional needs, these programs promote personal growth, connection, and a sense of belonging.
“On behalf of the Cambridge Food Bank, I’d like to thank GrandBridge Energy for their generous support of our children and youth wellness programs. These programs are designed to equip children and youth with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy choices through nutrition education and the development of food skills. We sincerely thank GrandBridge for their dedication to building a stronger, healthier future for the young people in our community,” said Dianne McLeod, CEO, Cambridge Food Bank.
The Brantford Food Bank – Community Resource Service will use the $5,000 donation from GrandBridge Energy to provide gift cards for toys to ensure 112 children across Brantford and the County of Brant will have a present to open on Christmas morning.
“We are so very grateful for the support of organizations like GrandBridge Energy. Currently, one in 10 people in our community are accessing the Brantford Food Bank, and we have seen a 60% increase in Food Bank use over the past two years. Donations like this help us ensure there is food on the shelves for the many families and individuals who are needing our help,” said Heather Vanner, Executive Director of Community Resource Service.
Local student nutrition programs are also facing significant challenges due to rising food costs and increasing demand. Many programs are forced to cut portion sizes or reduce services, such as cutting fruit in half instead of providing a whole serving.
To help fuel learning, GrandBridge Energy donated $1,000 to Nutrition for Learning, Waterloo Region, which will be used to provide four days of food for students at three Cambridge elementary schools. GrandBridge Energy also provided a $1,000 donation to Brant Food for Thought, which will support the purchase of 500 snacks to support seven students for the remainder of the school year.
“GrandBridge Energy believes in powering more than just homes and businesses. We are committed to uplifting those in need in our communities. We encourage others, who are able, to join us in supporting local food banks and school nutrition programs, by donating food, making a small monetary donation, or volunteering,” said Hughes.
For more information about how you can support these vital local organizations, visit:
Brantford Food Bank — Community Resource Service
Nutrition For Learning– Waterloo Region
