A new fundraising campaign launched by The Local Community Food Centre hopes to raise $750,000 by next summer.
The ‘My Community Includes the Local’ campaign comes after high inflation and food insecurity continue to impact residents, with demand for services at the centre rising.
The centre served 13,800 meals to seniors, families, and people experiencing homelessness. It also distributed more than 700 bags of fruit to people at emergency shelters.
Executive Director Margaret Smart said the centre got through the pandemic but many organizations are fighting for funding and looking at ways to raise funds.
She is confident the community will step up and help, Smart told MyStratfordNow.
Two local businesses, Shackleton’s Real Estate & Auction Co. and KDB Law, have each donated $50,000 to kickstart the local campaign.
Campaign Chair and board member Brent Shackleton has witnessed increasing
demands on the organization.
“From the fresh food markets to the community suppers, The Local plays an important role in our community and we need it to be sustainable in the long term,” he said via a media release.
Local CFC Board Chair Katie DeBlock Boersma said everyone has the right to healthy, nutritious food at accessible prices.
Funds raised through the campaign will help with operating and providing programs and services the community has come to depend on, including Monday Community Supper, Friday Community Lunch, Connection Centre Meals, and kitchen basics workshops.
