Barrie Food Bank Unveils New Refrigerated Van to Expand Student Nutrition Program and Food Recovery Efforts
Barrie, ON – April 1, 2026 — Barrie Food Bank will unveil its new refrigerated van and custom graphics on Tuesday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m., marking a significant investment in both student nutrition and community food recovery.
The vehicle was generously supported by Food Banks Canada with funding through the 2025 School Food Infrastructure Fund, alongside support from local community partners. It will play a critical role in supporting Barrie Food Bank’s School Fuel Program, which now serves 34 local schools and 8,578 children with access to healthy snacks.
“This van strengthens our ability to deliver fresh, nutritious food directly to students who need it most,” said Karen Shuh, Executive Director of Barrie Food Bank. “At the same time, it expands our capacity to recover high-quality food from across our community, ensuring less goes to waste and more reaches families.”
With this addition, the organization now operates three vans, six days a week, collecting food from 14 local grocery store partners and other community sources.
In 2025 alone, Barrie Food Bank recovered over 1.7 million pounds of food, including more than 700,000 pounds of nutritious perishable items diverted from waste.
The unveiling event will feature a grand reveal of the van’s new graphics, along with recognition of key community partners whose support has been instrumental in acquiring this vehicle.
Community partners featured on the van include:
– Canada One Auto Group
– Rotary Club of Barrie
– The Pavlik Foundation
– The Rotary Club of Barrie – Huronia
– Kempenfelt Rotary Club
– Faris Team Real Estate Brokerage
– RBC Foundation
– Mayes-Martin
Media and community members are invited to attend.
Event Details:
Barrie Food Bank, 42 Anne St. South
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Media Contact:
Karen Shuh
Executive Director
Barrie Food Bank
(705) 725-1818 ext. 224
karen@barriefoodbank.org
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 several 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.
