The Town of Whitby and Feed the Need in Durham (FTND) are taking action to address food insecurity in the community by setting up 1,000-feet of space at Iroquois Park Sports Centre dedicated to the operation of a new market-style food bank.
Food insecurity is a growing concern for many individuals and families in Whitby, with an increasing number of residents accessing food banks due to rising food and housing costs, often giving up healthy food choices to pay for other expenses.
The goal is to provide a more accessible, dignified, and equitable way for individuals to access food bank services and healthy food options in a community setting, said a town statement.
It said the volunteer-run market will operate on a grocery model. Instead of putting a pre-selected food hamper in someone’s hands, clients will have the ability to move freely through the space, browsing the shelves and choosing the foods that best meet their families’ needs. In addition to providing choices for clients, the Market Food Bank will allow more fresh and frozen foods, like meat, eggs, and milk, to be shared with those seeking assistance. This allows people to meet their unique dietary needs and family preferences.
The market is expected to open in spring 2024 and offer evening and weekend availability, helping to address increasing demand and a current gap in the delivery of local food bank services, the town said.
“Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Whitby and across Durham Region. Local food banks continue to see record-high demand, and new approaches are needed. I have been working closely with food bank representatives to better understand this issue and find innovative solutions,” said Elizabeth Roy, Mayor.
“Feed the Need’s new market model food bank is a wonderful example of this, ensuring access to food with a focus on dignity and equity. I am so pleased that the Town of Whitby is supporting this initiative by providing former office space at Iroquois Park Sports Centre to house the food bank as well as a $15,000 lead grant from the Mayor’s Community Development Fund. Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry.”
Ben Earle, CEO, Feed the Need in Durham, said: “The Market will become a beacon of hope for families in need in the Whitby community. By embracing our principles of dignity, access, and abundance, we strive to create a barrier-free environment and a nurturing space for all. Together, we are transforming food banking in the Durham Region, making a lasting difference for families in need.”
- The market-model food bank will be operated by Feed the Need in Durham with the support of volunteers.
- The town will provide the former office space at Iroquois Park Sports Centre as a no cost lease for a three-year term with the ability to extend annually.
- Working with partners to address food security concerns is a key action item of Whitby’s new Community Strategic Plan.
- The 2022 Price of Eating Well in Durham Region report found that many families are struggling to afford a sufficient and healthy diet, with 15 percent of households categorized as food insecure, which means they either worry about running out of food, settle for lower quality food, or miss meals altogether.
- Feed the Need in Durham has reported that between April 2022 and March 2023 there were:
- 68,000 visits to food banks in Whitby (a 46% increase); and
- 7,200 Whitby food bank clients (a 36% increase), 31% of which were first time food bank users.