For families already struggling to make ends meet, summer brings a new layer of difficulty. School meal programs disappear, hydro bills climb with air conditioning needs, and parents juggle childcare costs or reduced work hours. It’s a perfect storm that Sharon Palmer has witnessed firsthand at the Barrie Food Bank, where she serves as executive director.
“We’re seeing record numbers every month,” Palmer explains, standing amid shelves that aren’t as full as they should be. “Last month alone, we served 6,480 individuals – that’s a 24 percent increase over the same time last year.”
The troubling reality facing Barrie’s main food support hub mirrors a national trend. Food Banks Canada reported earlier this year that nearly 2 million Canadians accessed food banks in 2023, the highest recorded usage in Canadian history. But while demand surges, donations traditionally slow during summer months as regular donors embark on vacations or simply focus on other priorities.
This summer’s donation decline has been particularly steep. According to Palmer, monetary donations have dropped by nearly 30 percent compared to this time last year, while food donations have fallen by almost 40 percent. These figures arrive just as the food bank grapples with the highest service demands in its 46-year history.
“People don’t stop being hungry in the summer,” says Palmer. “If anything, the need intensifies for many families.”
The math becomes increasingly difficult. Each month, the Barrie Food Bank distributes roughly 120,000 pounds of food to community members in need. With current donation rates, they’re bringing in significantly less than what goes out, forcing them to dip into reserves that weren’t designed to handle this level of sustained pressure.
Local resident Marianne Trent started using the food bank eight months ago after her hours at a retail job were cut. The mother of two says the summer has been especially challenging.
“When the kids are home all day, they’re always hungry. Food costs more, especially fresh stuff, and my grocery budget just doesn’t stretch,” Trent says. “Without the food bank, I honestly don’t know what we’d do.”
The story repeats itself across Simcoe County, where the cost of living continues to outpace many residents’ income. A 2023 report from the County of Simcoe showed that nearly one in eight households experiences some form of food insecurity, with that number climbing among families with children.
Local businesses have noticed the growing need. Marta Wilson, who owns a small café downtown, recently organized a food drive among neighboring shops.
“We collected about 300 pounds of food, which felt great until we learned that’s less than half a day’s distribution,” Wilson says. “The scale of need is overwhelming, but we can’t give up.”
The food bank’s most urgent needs include financial donations, which allow for bulk purchasing of fresh produce, dairy, and protein – items that volunteers say often disappear from donation bins first. They’re also seeking pasta sauce, canned proteins like tuna and beans, and household essentials like soap and diapers.
City councillor Gary Watson has proposed a motion to provide emergency funding to the food bank, which will be debated at next week’s council meeting.
“This isn’t just a charitable issue; it’s a community health crisis,” Watson argues. “When families can’t access nutritious food, it affects everything from children’s education to workplace productivity to healthcare costs.”
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit backs this assessment. Their recent community health survey found strong connections between food insecurity and increased emergency room visits, mental health challenges, and chronic disease management difficulties.
Dr. Charles Mawhinney, a family physician who volunteers monthly at the food bank’s health clinic, has witnessed these connections firsthand.
“I’m seeing patients who are rationing medications to afford food, or parents who skip meals so their kids can eat,” Mawhinney says. “These are impossible choices that no one should have to make in a country as wealthy as Canada.”
The food bank has launched an emergency summer appeal, hoping to raise $150,000 and collect 75,000 pounds of food by September. They’ve emphasized that even small donations make a difference – $25 provides a day’s meals for a family of four.
Meanwhile, Palmer and her team of volunteers continue working tirelessly, transforming each donation into nourishment for community members facing tough times. They’ve extended their hours and streamlined their intake process to accommodate the growing need.
“We’re not just providing food,” Palmer says. “We’re providing dignity and hope during incredibly difficult circumstances.”
For Barrie residents wanting to help, the food bank accepts donations at their 42 Anne Street location Monday through Friday, with special Saturday hours this summer. They’ve also partnered with most major grocery stores for convenient drop-off locations and offer online donation options through their website.
As Palmer puts it: “Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. We need the community’s support now more than ever.”
