Recognizing the increased demand facing food banks this year, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 175 and 633, on behalf of its 70,000 members, will be donating almost $200,000 to food banks and charitable organizations across the province.
Between December 1 and 4, 2023, UFCW Local 175 Representatives, including staff and members of the Union, delivered cheques for $3,000 to the Brantford Food Bank, the Six Nations Community Food Bank, and the Caledonia and District Food Bank. Earlier this month, members visited the Salvation Army of Simcoe to provide a donation there as well.
“Food security and accessibility is a major concern in many communities and this year has exacerbated the issue even more with inflation and limited budgets,” said Shawn Haggerty, President of UFCW Local 175.
“In Brantford, one in 10 people have accessed the Food Bank over the past year,” said Heather Vanner, Executive Director of the Brantford Food Bank. “Food Banks are sounding the alarm on the overwhelming increase in need, and Brantford is no exception. This donation will help us ensure food is available to families, seniors, children, and individuals who are struggling economically. We are extremely grateful for this support.”
This year, the UFCW Locals 175 and 633 Executive Board approved an increase to the amount being donated to almost $200,000, up from $90,000 last year. This has allowed the Local Union to extend its donations to 60 organizations this year. Among the many services to their communities, the organizations supported with these donations provide: front-line food provision for families and individuals; hot meals for vulnerable community members; assisting with school nutrition programs, and; food distribution and support through other area agencies and charitable initiatives.
“We know that many of our communities in this province are in need of support. I’m proud of our Executive Board for choosing to not only make these donations each year, but to have increased it this year so we can extend that support to more organizations so they can continue their invaluable work,” said Haggerty.
The Local Union will continue its donations to 60 organizations across Ontario through December.
UFCW Locals 175 and 633 represents more than 70,000 Union Members across Ontario working in most sectors of the economy including retail grocery and pharmacy, industrial, health care, hospitality, and much more.
