Changing of the guard at Sudbury Food Bank

There's going to be new leadership at the end of the year at the Sudbury Food Bank, which delivers on 14,000 requests for help every month.

There’s going to be new leadership at the Sudbury Food Bank, which delivers on 14,000 requests for help every month.

Dan Xilon, who has been the executive director for the past 23 years, is retiring in December. His replacement is well known in Greater Sudbury: longtime radio announcer Mell Dahl.

Dahl is familiar with the food bank’s operations, where she has been volunteering for more than 20 years.

“I kind of know the ins and outs, so it is not as scary even though … to go from radio to non-profit, that is, like, a really big change," she said Tuesday.

“It’s not as scary because I have been on the journey for over two decades with the food bank and helping to feed the people in this community and it is a passion of mine.”

Xilon said having someone with Dahl’s background and experience in the role is important.

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“It’s nice to have someone who is not necessarily coming in fresh,” he said.

“Kind of has a knowledge base of what goes on here, the importance of what we do, the people we help.”

Dahl said she was inspired to get involved many years ago after meeting the late Edgar Burton, who was a longtime and strong supporter of the Sudbury Food Bank.

“Edgar was actually the catalyst for me discovering an interest in the food bank and making sure people are fed -- and realizing that food insecurity is a huge problem,” said Dahl.

Inspired by Edgar Burton

“The Edgar Burton Christmas Food Drive is the largest per capita food drive in the province, and I think we have got to point out that it’s because of the community we live in, the people that are here and the people that support the food bank,” said Xilon.

The need for help with food security continues to grow. Right now, the food bank supplies 39 agencies, including distribution to food banks in the community, meal providers like the hospice and the Salvation Army Women and Family Shelter and several school programs.