The drive against hunger took a distinctly local turn yesterday as George Stockfish Ford unveiled their new partnership with the North Bay Food Bank, bringing automotive community presence to bear on what social workers describe as a growing food security challenge across the region.
“We’ve seen demand increase by nearly 35% since last year,” explained Debbie Marson, executive director of the North Bay Food Bank, as volunteers unloaded boxes of non-perishables from the dealership’s F-150 demonstration truck. “These community business partnerships make all the difference when government support struggles to keep pace with need.”
The initiative, dubbed “Drive Out Hunger,” will see the longstanding Ford dealership convert its showroom into a semi-permanent collection point where customers can drop off food donations while browsing vehicles. The dealership has also committed to matching customer donations pound-for-pound through the winter months.
For George Stockfish, whose family has operated the dealership since 1973, the connection between automotive retail and community support comes naturally. “Cars bring people together, and so does food,” Stockfish told me, gesturing toward the collection bins already half-filled with pasta, canned goods, and baby formula. “Most folks don’t realize that about 18% of our local households experience some form of food insecurity.”
The numbers support his concern. According to recent data from Feed Ontario, the provincial network of food banks, northern communities have seen disproportionate increases in food bank usage, with many working families turning to assistance for the first time. Their 2023 Hunger Report indicated that North Bay specifically has experienced a 41% increase in first-time food bank users.
What makes this partnership different from standard corporate giving is its emphasis on sustained community involvement rather than one-time donations. Sales manager Tricia Lamarche explained how the dealership plans to integrate food collection into their everyday business operations.
“When someone purchases a vehicle, we’re offering to make a donation to the food bank in their name,” she said. “We’re also organizing monthly delivery runs using our service department’s courtesy vehicles to transport donations directly to the food bank warehouse.”
The food bank partnership represents an evolution in how local businesses approach community support. Traditional check-presenting ceremonies and annual food drives are giving way to more integrated, year-round initiatives that address persistent needs.
City Councillor Marcus Williams, who attended the launch, praised the approach. “We’re seeing a shift where businesses aren’t just writing checks during the holidays. They’re becoming distribution points, awareness hubs, and true partners in addressing social challenges.”
Williams noted that municipal resources for food security programs have been stretched thin, with budget allocations remaining essentially flat despite rising need. “The reality is that public funding alone can’t solve hunger issues. These public-private partnerships create sustainable models that can adapt more quickly than government programs.”
The timing couldn’t be more critical. According to volunteers at the food bank, summer months typically see donation decreases of 40-60% while family need often increases with children home from school and not accessing meal programs.
“People think of donating during Christmas or Thanksgiving,” said Marson. “But hunger doesn’t follow holidays. Having a visible, permanent presence at a business people regularly visit helps maintain awareness year-round.”
The dealership’s initiative includes some creative elements beyond basic food collection. Service department customers can opt to round up their repair bills to the nearest $5, with the difference going directly to food bank purchasing programs. The parts department has introduced a “parts for food” exchange where customers can bring in non-perishable items in exchange for discounts on accessories and maintenance items.
Local Ford mechanic James Lapointe has personally volunteered to coordinate deliveries between the dealership and food bank. “I’m at the food bank myself some months,” he admitted quietly while arranging donation boxes. “A lot of us in the trades or service industries hit rough patches. There’s no shame in needing help, and there’s real pride in giving it too.”
The partnership also highlights how community businesses are increasingly filling gaps in social safety nets. Provincial funding for food security programs has increased only marginally despite Statistics Canada data showing food prices in Ontario rose by 9.2% last year.
Food bank officials say monetary donations provide the greatest flexibility, allowing them to purchase fresh produce, milk, and other perishables that complement shelf-stable donations. The dealership has installed a tap donation terminal that accepts credit card contributions starting at just $2.
“Every bit helps,” explained Stockfish. “A single $10 donation can provide up to 30 meals when the food bank buys in bulk through their supplier networks.”
The initiative comes at a time when automotive dealers nationwide face inventory challenges and shifting consumer habits. Industry analysts suggest community engagement helps dealerships maintain relevance in changing markets.
“There’s real business value in community involvement,” noted Williams. “But what impresses me about this program is that it’s not just window dressing. They’ve integrated giving into their business model.”
For families relying on food assistance, the partnership offers more than just additional food sources. Marson emphasized how visible business support reduces stigma for those seeking help.
“When respected businesses openly support food banks, it normalizes both giving and receiving help,” she said. “That’s perhaps the most valuable aspect of this partnership – it brings food security conversations into everyday spaces.”
The dealership plans to track progress with a prominent display showing pounds of food collected and meals provided, creating what Stockfish calls “visible momentum” that encourages ongoing participation.
“We’re not just moving metal,” he said, using industry slang for selling cars. “We’re moving the needle on hunger in our community.”
