Sudbury Food Bank launches a new way to give

Sudbury Food Bank has launched Spring Give, distributing cheques to 32 area food banks and partner agencies amid rising need.

The Sudbury Food Bank hosted its Spring Give on Wednesday. An initiative that provides money to area food banks and partner agencies to keep meeting the growing need – the organization also launched a new way for people to give food.

The Sudbury Food Bank handed out cheques to 32 area food banks and partner agencies to help meet the need as the number of people living with food insecurity continues to rise.

“Needing help from somebody is not easy to ask for so being treated fairly and with dignity by our member agencies makes all the difference in the world. It has a huge impact on the people who need help,” said Greg Fontaine, the food bank’s board chair.

The charity also held a volunteer appreciation barbecue for the hundreds of people who keep the area’s 22 food banks going.

“I mean that’s exactly what makes the food banks work. If it wasn’t for all of volunteers and our staff, I mean, the food bank wouldn’t be running,” said board president Bill Bray.

“Whether it’s sorting, distributing, all of the collecting (or) all of the things our volunteers do each and every day.”

At the Spring Give, the Sudbury Foodbank unveiled a new way to donate on its Amazon Wishlist.

“This time of year we are seeing the warehouse being very empty and I think that this Wishlist will be an opportunity for us to have an influx of food coming back into the warehouse and making it a fun way,” said Natalie Labbée, the organization’s executive direct.

She added that the list takes the guesswork out of what to get for people who want to help.

“That Amazon Wishlist is the perfect thing for you because you will able to pick different price points of options,” Labbée said.

Officials said within the Sudbury Food Bank system, they saw 576 new users in the first quarter of 2026 alone – highlighting the growing pressures facing individuals and families across the community.