OPG supporting Durham food banks to meet increasing demand

At a glance

• OPG donating $25,000 to Feed the Need in Durham to support local food banks.
• Rising food prices driving record demand for these essential services.
• Over the years, OPG has provided more than $900,000 to organizations helping food vulnerable across Ontario.

High inflation, rising food prices and housing costs, and the lingering impacts of the pandemic are affecting local food banks across Durham Region. With more people lining up, and fewer people donating, these essential services are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand.

To help provide support, OPG is partnering with Feed the Need in Durham (FTND), donating $25,000 to the organization to purchase and distribute food to those in need during these challenging times.

OPG has been a proud supporter of FTND for many years and has provided more than $900,000 to organizations helping the food vulnerable across Ontario.

“Over the years, OPG has been an incredible supporter of Feed the Need in Durham, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when the people of Durham Region were facing extraordinary hardship,” said LeeAnne Rorabeck, Director of Development and Communications with FTND. “Now in 2023, with the cost of living and food prices surging, OPG has stepped up again to ensure we have the resources needed to respond to the increasing demand for emergency food services in our community. This generous gift will help support our food procurement strategy and primary mission to distribute as much food as possible to those in need this spring.”

Recently, OPG participated in an internal fundraising initiative coined “Build what you CAN,” creating structures out of non-perishable food items to support local food banks. The team collected 3,213 pounds of food, equaling 2,693 meals for those in need.

“As one of the largest employers in Durham Region, being a part of the community is much more than safely generating electricity,” said Lindsay Hamilton, Senior Manager, Corporate Relations and Projects at OPG. “It’s about being engaged community members who encourage and support local organizations and initiatives that keep our communities strong and healthy.”

About Feed the Need in Durham: FTND works with member agencies and community partners to alleviate food insecurity by providing fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items to those who need it most, working with more than 60 emergency food relief partner agencies across Durham Region. To learn more about this organization and to support their efforts, visit: Feed the Need in Durham – #feedingdurham