Over 870,000 meals provided to City’s most vulnerable

BRANTFORD, ON – Local food support organizations have provided vulnerable citizens in Brantford and the County of Brant with 873,137 meals for those in need since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. As the social assistance and homelessness service provider for both the City of Brantford and the County of Brant, the City is pleased to announce an additional $390,000 in funding to be allocated to supporting emergency food services as part of the City’s ongoing COVID-19 Response Plan. The funding will allow the City to continue partnering with the Brantford Food Bank and the Salvation Army to support many individuals and families that are still experiencing additional financial pressures as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

The continuation of this vital program allows local emergency food providers to continue their important efforts to help those in most need. The Food Bank will continue to lead the planning and coordination in the City of Brantford and the Salvation Army will lead efforts in the County of Brant.

The $390,000 of funding is part of the $2.239 million that was allocated to our region from April and December 2021 to help protect those most vulnerable during the ongoing pandemic. The Federal government committed $747,000 through Reaching Home – Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, while the Provincial government committed an additional $2.239 million through the Social Services Relief Fund aimed to assist with COVID-19 related supports and programs.

Since March 2020, the City’s Community Services and Social Development staff have been working with partners in the health sector and emergency shelter operators to implement a coordinated COVID-19 Response Plan. Funding was used to support community food programs in the Spring and Fall last year. In total, the funding support enabled the purchase of approximately 1,077,515 pounds of food and provided 873,137 meals for those in need. Additionally, over 20 community food providers were supported with food and supplies needed to sustain their essential programs.

How to access services

Individuals in the City of Brantford who are looking for more information about food security services are encouraged to call the Brantford Food Bank at 519-751-HELP (4357), while individuals in the County are encouraged to call the Salvation Army at 519-752-7814 or 519-442-3432.

Quotes

“We are fortunate to have such dedicated community partners committed to supporting individuals and families who need food assistance during this challenging time. We are thankful for the additional funding that will allow us to continue working with our community partners in meeting the needs of Brantford’s most vulnerable populations.” - Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis.

“We are grateful to the local partners who provide these important services to County of Brant residents. The pandemic has certainly caused stress on many households and this additional funding to support emergency food services is greatly needed and appreciated. It is critical to serve those in need in our communities and we are thankful to see this important work continue.” - County of Brant Mayor David Bailey.

- 30 -

Media Contact:

Heather Carvalho | Acting Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | Office: 226-388-3898 | hcarvalho@brantford.ca