‘Dougie’ the delivery truck has joined the Feed the Need in Durham (FTND) family.
It was officially welcomed on October 19 by Durham Regional Chair and CEO John Henry, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell and Oshawa Regional and City Councillor Bob Chapman, Chairman of Durham Region’s Health & Social Services Committee.
Since April 2020, Feed the Need has distributed approximately 45 percent more, compared to the same time period as last year, out to the community in need. ‘Dougie’ has been instrumental in helping deliver over 1 million pounds to the frontline emergency food providers since March 23, 2020.
Logistics is key to Feed the Need in Durham’s operations. FTND is a registered charity operating a 10,000 square-foot warehouse and, with the addition of their new truck, a fleet of three vehicles. A common misconception is that charities are housed in office buildings. It’s only when you visit the FTND facility, that the size, reach, and impact become truly obvious, said an Oshawa statement.
In a single run, the new truck can pick up 50% more food from their generous corporate food donation partners. FTND is happy to have two refrigerated straight trucks working in the community. The second truck is essential to the stability and sustainability of the program. The supporters that made the new truck a reality include: Ontario Power Generation, The Regional Municipality of Durham, Food Banks Canada, Feed Ontario, Walmart Foundation, Durham Community Foundation, and donations from individuals in our community supporting their Transportation Campaign.
“Feed the Need in Durham is grateful for all the supporters who have helped us add to our fleet with this new truck. This addition has been timely and immediately impactful, allowing our organization to distribute over 1 million pounds of food since the onset of the pandemic to support those facing insecurity and uncertainty in these unprecedented times.’ says Ben Earle, Executive Director of Feed the Need. “This was made possible by our volunteers, supporters and donors who continue to inspire and humble us with their generosity. We look forward to continuing to grow our work for the community as we navigate the recovery time ahead.”
FTND has been an essential part of the Region’s emergency response to Covid 19. With the help of their committed volunteers, FTND have pivoted their approach to their warehouse operations by introducing new procedures focusing on safety, efficiencies, and food security. FTND has doubled down and worked harder than ever to supply our community with food.
Some of their partners like Simcoe Hall Settlement House and Kendalwood Seventh Day Adventist Church have accepted and distributed more food in the past 6 months than during all of last year.
“The right equipment for the job allows us to work more efficiently and achieve better results. The new truck will play a vital role in Feed the Need in Durham’s operations during the pandemic, the on-going recovery, and into the future.” Says Victoria Derusha, Operations Coordinator.
Visit the Feed the Need in Durham web page for more information on the transportation program and to help ‘Dougie’ get more food out to our neighbors in need!