THANKS for GIVING Generously: Barrie Food Bank Launches Thanksgiving Campaign to Support Families in Crisis
This Thanksgiving, Barrie Food Bank is saying “THANKS for GIVING generously!” as it launches its annual Thanksgiving Campaign. With a goal of raising $250,000 and collecting 150,000 lbs of food, the campaign runs through October and will ensure that local families have access to nutritious food during this important season of gratitude.
This year’s campaign comes at a particularly urgent time. Earlier this month, the City of Barriedeclared a State of Emergency over the lack of affordable and geared-to-income housing — a crisis that is driving more families than ever to seek food support. The food bank is now serving over 7,500 individuals each month — a six-fold increase since 2020. Children and seniors now
account for 44% of those supported.
“We are profoundly grateful to our community,” says Karen Shuh, Executive Director of Barrie Food Bank. “Every donation is an act of kindness that helps transform worry into relief for families who are struggling. Just last week, we met a single mom of three who came to us heartbroken after paying her rent and having nothing left for groceries. Thanks to the generosity of donors, she left with enough food to get through the week — and a little more hope. That’s the power of giving.”
Even with this generosity, the need is currently greater than the donations coming in, which has meant careful prioritization — focusing first on staples like milk, eggs, protein, and fresh produce and scaling back on extras like personal care products and specialty items when funds run short.
Community members can support the campaign by making a financial gift, dropping off non- perishable food items, or hosting a workplace or school food drive. Financial contributions are especially impactful, as they allow the food bank to purchase what we need when we need it.
September 15, 2025
Immediate Release
Contact:
Karen Shuh
Executive Director
Barrie Food Bank
(705) 725-1818 ext.
221
karen@barriefoodbank.org
