In the sweltering heat of late August, Peterborough residents stepped up in ways few expected. The annual Kawartha Food Drive shattered previous donation records, collecting over 78,000 pounds of non-perishable goods for Kawartha Food Share’s distribution network.
“I’ve been coordinating these drives for eleven years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Margaret Fowler, volunteer coordinator for the Kawartha Food Drive. “People weren’t just dropping off a can or two – many brought full grocery bags, even cases of food.”
The three-day event, which concluded yesterday evening, saw participation from an estimated 3,200 households across the Kawartha region. Collection points at local grocery stores, community centers, and fire stations became impromptu gathering spots as neighbors reconnected while contributing to the cause.
Behind these impressive numbers lies a troubling reality. According to Statistics Canada’s latest data, food bank usage in Ontario has increased by 32% since 2019, with Peterborough County seeing even steeper increases. The Kawartha Food Share network now serves approximately 9,400 individuals monthly – nearly double the number from five years ago.
Rafaela Monteiro, Executive Director of Kawartha Food Share, explained the significance of this year’s drive. “This incredible showing couldn’t come at a more critical time. Our warehouse shelves were getting dangerously low heading into fall, which is typically when we see increased demand.”
The success comes despite economic headwinds affecting many donors themselves. A recent report from the Peterborough Social Planning Council found that 27% of local households report spending more than 30% of their income on housing, leaving less flexibility for other essentials like food.
Local businesses played a crucial role in the drive’s success. Fifteen area companies organized internal competitions, with Thomas Electronics employees collecting an impressive 3,728 pounds on their own. Fleming College students volunteered as drivers and sorters, while the Peterborough Petes hockey organization provided both visibility and volunteer power.
“We had players and staff working alongside community members,” said Petes’ community relations coordinator Jason Williams. “Our guys were actually competing to see who could load the most boxes – turning hard work into something fun while supporting a great cause.”
The drive also revealed changing patterns in food insecurity. Monteiro noted that Kawartha Food Share is seeing more working families seeking assistance, with approximately 38% of recipients reporting some employment income – up from 29% in 2020.
“The face of hunger has changed,” she said during yesterday’s wrap-up event at Lansdowne Place Mall. “We’re supporting seniors on fixed incomes, students, and increasingly, families where parents are working but still struggling to make ends meet.”
City councillor Keith Riel, who volunteered at the East City collection point, observed the community spirit firsthand. “I spoke with donors who told me they used food banks themselves in the past and were now in a position to give back. That’s the Peterborough I know – people supporting each other through tough times.”
The timing of the drive coincides with recent provincial cuts to social assistance programs. The Ontario Disability Support Program’s food allowance adjustment, which advocates argue fails to keep pace with inflation, has pushed more vulnerable residents toward emergency food services.
Mayor Jeff Leal praised the community response while acknowledging ongoing challenges. “This remarkable generosity demonstrates our community’s heart, but we need sustainable solutions to address root causes of food insecurity. We’re working with provincial partners on affordable housing initiatives that would help families redirect funds toward food security.”
While volunteers celebrated the record-breaking collection, they’re already looking ahead. Winter months typically bring increased utility costs for vulnerable households, creating additional pressure on food budgets.
“This incredible haul will get us through a few months, but the need continues year-round,” explained Monteiro. “We’re especially concerned about protein sources and infant supplies, which remain in constant demand.”
For Peterborough resident Emily Nguyen, who organized her apartment building’s collection effort, the drive represents more than just charity. “When my family first moved to Canada, a food bank helped us through a difficult transition. Today, I brought my children to volunteer because I want them to understand community responsibility.”
As volunteers finished sorting the last donations late yesterday, the warehouse at Kawartha Food Share transformed from worryingly empty to promisingly stocked. Staff estimate the donations will support distribution efforts through late October, when holiday-focused drives typically begin.
Those wishing to continue supporting Kawartha Food Share can donate year-round, with special emphasis on protein-rich foods, personal care items, and baby supplies. The organization’s next major initiative will be their Thanksgiving hamper program, set to launch in late September.
“Today we celebrate this incredible achievement,” concluded Monteiro as volunteers shared cake at the wrap-up celebration. “Tomorrow, we get back to the real work of ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.”
