Barrie Food Bank Launches “Close the Gap” Holiday Campaign
Goal: $1.16 Million and 580,000 Pounds of Food Needed to Meet Growing Demand
Barrie, ON — Today, Barrie Food Bank kicks off its 2025 Holiday Campaign, “Close the Gap,” with an ambitious goal of raising $1.16 million and collecting 580,000 pounds of non-perishable food by December 31. The theme reflects an urgent reality: demand for food support in Barrie has increased +16% over last year, outpacing donations. This campaign aims to close that growing gap so families can continue to access nutritious food and essential supplies throughout the holiday season and into the new year.
In October alone, Barrie Food Bank supported 8,128 visits – up 16% from last year – including a record number of children and seniors. Thirty-eight percent of those supported were children. The food bank continues to see sharp increases in demand driven by rising housing, food, utility and medicine costs – pressures that are leaving many working households struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, rising food costs – with staples like chicken and coffee up sharply – are eroding not only clients’ purchasing power but also the food bank’s operating budget.
“No one needs a food bank … until they do. Each month, we meet more families who never imagined they’d have to visit us,” says Karen Shuh, Executive Director of the Barrie Food Bank.
“We’re sourcing as much food as possible at the lowest cost and recovering food that would otherwise go to waste just to keep pace, but the gap between what we can provide and what our community needs keeps widening. If someone gave $1 last year, we now need $1.16 just to keep food distribution at the same level. But together, we can close that gap and make sure no one in Barrie goes hungry this holiday season.”
To inspire community giving, The Faris Team and The Aerarium Group have come forward again this year with a combined $80,000 matching donation, doubling the impact of every dollar donated until the match is met. This partnership will help ensure the food bank can continue providing fresh food – including meat, dairy, and produce – alongside pantry staples for families in need.
How to Help “Close the Gap”
Community members, businesses, and organizations can support the “Close the Gap” campaign by:
• Donating online through barriefoodbank.org, e-transfers to donations@barriefoodbank.org or
in person at Barrie Food Bank. Cheques can be mailed to P.O. Box 145, Barrie, Ontario L4M 4S9,
or delivered to 42 Anne Street S., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Instant tax receipts
are issued.
• Dropping off non-perishable food items at collection bins across Barrie grocery stores
• Organizing a food drive or fundraiser to rally friends, colleagues, teams or neighbours
Most Needed Items:
Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, ham), cereal & oatmeal, peanut and nut butters, canned soups and stews, protein shakes, healthy school snacks, pasta and pasta sauces, rice, lentils, baby items (large-sized diapers, wipes, formula, baby food), and personal care products
(shampoo, soap, deodorant, oral hygiene and feminine hygiene products).
Food Drop-Off Points:
All Barrie grocery stores – including Zehrs, No Frills, Metro, Food Basics, Sobeys, Freshco, Farm Boy, Centra, Wholesale Club, and Costco – host collection bins. Many grocery stores also offer pre-packed donation bags featuring high-need items for easy giving. Food donations can also be
dropped off directly at Barrie Food Bank, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
About Barrie Food Bank:
Founded in 1984 on principles of community compassion, Barrie Food Bank has become a steadfast source of support, dedicated to alleviating hunger in the Barrie area. With the vision of “a community where no one is hungry,” we work alongside volunteers, donors, and community partners to address the evolving challenges of food insecurity. Facing an unprecedented surge in demand over the past three years, and without federal or provincial government support, Barrie Food Bank remains committed to providing food relief at no cost to
families and individuals in need, helping them on their journey
Contact:
Karen Shuh
Executive Director
Barrie Food Bank
(705) 725-1818 ext.
221
karen@barriefoodbank.org
