Barrie Food Bank Launches “Spring to Action” Campaign to Support Growing Community Need
Barrie, ON — February 24, 2026 — While winter still has a firm grip on Barrie, Barrie Food Bank is already looking ahead and preparing for the months when donations traditionally decline but the need for food support continues to rise. Many families in Barrie will soon gather with loved ones to share meals and celebrate the arrival of spring but for thousands of our neighbours, putting food on the table remains uncertain.
Today, Barrie Food Bank officially launches its “Spring to Action” fundraising campaign, a community-wide effort to restock shelves after the busy winter months and prepare for what is traditionally the leanest time of year for the food bank.
The campaign goal is to raise $250,000 and collect 100,000 pounds of food to ensure the food bank can continue supporting families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity throughout the spring and summer.
“Winter generosity carries us through the holidays,” says Karen Shuh, Executive Director of Barrie Food Bank. “But spring and summer are when donations slow down while need continues to grow. Right now, we need our community to step forward once again.”
In the month of January, Barrie Food Bank supported more than 7,500 individuals, a 6% increase over last January, reflecting ongoing financial pressures facing local families. Rising housing costs, food prices, and fixed incomes are pushing more people to seek help for the first time.
One of the most significant increases is among seniors, with visits rising 21% over last year.
“These are people who worked their whole lives, raised families here, and built this community,” says Shuh. “Many are now choosing between groceries, medication, and rent. No senior should have to make that decision.”
The campaign also comes as Barrie continues to respond to a declared State of Emergency related to homelessness, highlighting the growing number of residents experiencing housing instability and food insecurity.
Every donation helps provide fresh food, pantry staples, and nutritious options to neighbours facing difficult circumstances.
“At the food bank, we see incredible resilience every day,” says Shuh. “We see parents choosing groceries so their children can eat well. We see seniors quietly asking for help after a lifetime of independence. And we see a community that cares deeply about one another.”
The Spring to Action campaign invites residents, businesses, and community groups to donate food, funds, or time & talents to help ensure support remains available throughout the upcoming months.
How to Help
Individuals, businesses, and community groups can support the campaign by:
- Making a financial donation online or in person
- Donating non-perishable food items at local grocery store bins
- Organizing a food drive or fundraising event
For more details on how to contribute, visit www.barriefoodbank.org.
Most Needed Items for Spring
- Peanut and Nut butters
- Canned meats like chicken, salmon and tuna
- Cereals & oatmeal
- Canned soups & stews
- Protein shakes, meal replacement shakes
- Healthy school snacks
- Pasta & pasta sauces
- Rice, lentils & legumes
- Baby items (large-sized diapers, wipes, formula & baby food)
- Personal care items (shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes)
Financial Donations:
- Online: Donations can be made securely at www.barriefoodbank.org or by e-transfer to donations@barriefoodbank.org.
- By Mail: Cheques can be mailed to P.O. Box 145, Barrie, Ontario L4M 4S9.
- In Person: Donations can be made at 42 Anne Street S., Unit 2, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Instant tax receipts are provided.
Food Drop-Off Locations
Non-perishable food donations can be made to the donation bins at all Barrie grocery stores, including Zehrs, No Frills, Metro, FreshCo, Food Basics, Sobeys, Farm Boy, Centra, Wholesale Club, Walmart and Costco. Many stores offer pre-packed donation bags containing high-need items for easy giving. Food donations are also accepted directly at Barrie Food Bank at 42 Anne Street South during regular business hours.
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 a 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 two years, Barrie Food Bank remains committed to providing food relief at no cost to families and individuals in need, helping them on their journey toward well-being.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Karen Shuh
Executive Director, Barrie Food Bank
karen@barriefoodbank.org
(705) 725-1818 ext. 224
