News & Blog

Barrie Food Bank Celebrates Record-Breaking Success in “Fill the Gap” Holiday Campaign
Barrie, ON — Barrie Food Bank is thrilled to announce the results of their 2024 “Fill the Gap” Holiday Campaign, which exceeded expectations, thanks to the incredible generosity of the community. The campaign aimed to raise $1 million in financial donations and...

Barrie Food Bank Benefits Huge from Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign
Barrie, ON – The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign has once again delivered significant support for the Barrie community. From November 18-24, 100% of the proceeds from Smile Cookie sales were donated to local charities, with the Barrie Food Bank and Tim...

Barrie Food Bank Launches “Fill the Gap” Holiday Campaign
Barrie, ON — Today, Barrie Food Bank kicks off its holiday campaign, "Fill the Gap," with the goal to raise $1,000,000 and collect 300,000 pounds of non-perishable food by December 31, 2024. With rising demand across the community, this year’s campaign focuses on...

Barrie Food Bank Calls on Community for Thanksgiving Campaign Amid Rising Food Insecurity
Barrie, ON – As Thanksgiving approaches, Barrie Food Bank is calling on our community to stretch out their hand and make a difference for families facing hunger. According to the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit, food insecurity is worsening, with nearly one in three...

Barrie Food Bank Welcomes New Executive Director Karen Shuh
Barrie, ON – The Barrie Food Bank is pleased to announce that Karen Shuh will be stepping into the role of Executive Director, effective August 26. Karen will be reporting to the Board of Directors, and will succeed Sharon Palmer, who is retiring in early September....

Barrie Food Bank Marks 40 Years of Service Amidst Growing Need: “Temporary Measures Shouldn’t Last 40 Years”
IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Today marks the 40th anniversary of Barrie Food Bank, founded on July 25, 1984. This milestone is a solemn reminder of the persistent need for food security in our community. In 1984, responding to the increasing number of people seeking help from...

Barrie Food Bank Announces Retirement of Executive Director
IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Barrie Food Bank Announces Retirement of Executive Director Barrie, June 4, 2024 – Barrie Food Bank, today announced the retirement of Executive Director, Sharon Palmer, effective August 30. Sharon Palmer has served as the driving force behind...

Barrie students join forces to tackle food insecurity
Students from various high schools across Barrie are working together to tackle food insecurity. Thanks to a $5,000 grant from United Way, students have built and filled food pantries around the city. "Until I was invited into this project, I had no idea how bad it...

“Home Runs for the Hungry” is looking to fill plates!
IMMEDIATE RELEASE - “We’re not just playing ball, we’re tackling hunger!” says Sharon Palmer Executive Director of Barrie Food Bank. The second annual “Home Runs for the Hungry” baseball game will be held on Saturday, May 4th at Vintage Throne Stadium. Barrie Baycats...

Barrie Food Bank Launches School Fuel Program to Combat Child Hunger in Partnership with School Nutrition Council of Ontario, Central East, and the Pavlic Foundation.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Barrie Food Bank is excited to announce the kickoff of its School Fuel program in collaboration with the School Nutrition Council of Ontario, and the Pavlic Foundation. This innovative program aims to deliver healthy snack foods to school-aged...