New donation collection materials for Kawartha Lakes Food Source

By Lindsay Advocate

Two people smiling standing beside a food donation barrel
Heather Kirby (left) and Jeff Britton (right) pose beside a new food donation barrel for the Kawartha Lakes Food Source.

The Kawartha Lakes Food Source’s donation collection materials have gotten a facelift just in time for the holidays, courtesy of the City of Kawartha Lakes Legacy CHEST Fund.

The new donation collection materials include coin boxes and barrels, which were designed and decaled by JB Concepts Sign Company and Cedar Springs Signs & Graphics.

On Nov. 2, Kawartha Lakes Food Source (KLFS) volunteers swapped out what old barrels they had in the community for the new ones. They will also be adding more barrels to new locations. The coin boxes will be used in future fundraisers, such as the upcoming Jolly Jog.

“Our hope is that these upgrades will bring food bank donations to the front of mind for community members,” says Heather Kirby, executive director at the Kawartha Lakes Food Source. “As we head into the height of the holidays, additional donations are much needed and appreciated. For our 10 member food banks, this is usually the busiest time of the year.”

As of November 2, barrels will be located at: Reid’s Valu-Mart, Loblaws, Giant Tiger, Mission Thrift Store, Boiling Over’s Coffee Vault, Lindsay Dodge Chrysler Ltd., RX Drug Mart IDA Downtown Lindsay, and Wholesale Club.

Barrels also rotate into other businesses as they host food-drives and fundraisers on their behalf. Keep your eye on KLFS’ social media for these pop-up collections.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to the City of Kawartha Lakes for their support on this project,” adds Kirby.

The Kawartha Lakes Food Source is still collecting donations directly at their distribution centre as well. Community members are welcome to drop donations off at 164 Needham St. Lindsay, ON between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Their distribution centre is equipped with fridges and freezers, and they can therefore also accept perishable donations on site.

“During the summer and fall, we receive a generous amount of fresh produce donations for our food banks thanks to farmers and backyard gardeners,” says Kirby. “However, in the winter and spring those fresh, healthy donations drop off almost completely. Potatoes, apples, and carrots are great examples of items appreciated by families that we do not often receive during this time of year.”

If you are considering donating perishable items, please ensure that they are brought to the distribution centre rather than being left in donation barrels as they too often are squished or are not kept at a safe temperature.

If your organization or business is interested in hosting a food-drive or fundraiser, or if you have questions about donating, please contact KLFS at or 705-324-0707.

If you or someone you know is in need of food bank support, please visit their find a food bank page or phone 705-324-0707 for information on how to access the food bank closest to you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

*