The familiar voices that keep Northumberland County entertained are now rallying the community toward a crucial cause. MyFM and Classic Rock radio stations have joined forces to launch an ambitious county-wide food drive throughout August 2025, addressing the troubling rise in food insecurity across the region.
“We’re seeing unprecedented demand at our food banks,” explains Jennifer Carlson, station manager at MyFM. “Summer months are particularly challenging for many families as school nutrition programs pause, creating additional pressure on household food budgets.”
The initiative comes at a critical time. Recent data from Food Banks Canada shows a 23% increase in food bank usage across Ontario since 2023, with rural communities like Northumberland experiencing some of the steepest rises. Local food bank coordinators report their shelves emptying faster than donations arrive, particularly for protein-rich foods and fresh produce.
Both radio stations will transform their studios into collection points, accepting donations weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, participating local businesses throughout Cobourg, Port Hope, Brighton, and surrounding communities will host collection bins, creating a comprehensive network of donation locations across the county.
“What makes this initiative different is our focus on specific high-need items,” notes Michael Trentham, program director at Classic Rock. “Rather than just asking for any non-perishable items, we’re publishing weekly lists of the most urgently needed foods based on direct input from food bank managers.”
The food drive organizers have partnered with Northumberland County’s transportation services to ensure donations reach the appropriate distribution centers. This collaborative approach aims to address the logistical challenges that often hinder effective food collection and distribution in rural communities.
The initiative has quickly gained support from local political figures and business leaders. County Warden Patricia Mason has pledged municipal support, while several prominent local businesses have announced matching donation programs to amplify community contributions.
“Food insecurity isn’t just a humanitarian issue—it’s an economic one,” explains Dr. Robert Lehman, economics professor at Fleming College. “When families struggle to put food on the table, it creates ripple effects throughout the local economy, from increased healthcare costs to decreased productivity.”
Radio personalities from both stations will broadcast live from different locations throughout August, highlighting community stories and providing real-time updates on donation totals. The campaign aims to collect over 15,000 pounds of food—enough to support local food banks through the traditionally difficult autumn transition period.
As the initiative prepares to launch, the organizers pose an important question to Northumberland residents: How might our community transform a one-month food drive into sustainable systems that address the root causes of hunger in our region?
For more information on donation locations and most-needed items, residents can visit either radio station’s website or tune in for daily updates throughout August.
