In the face of rising food insecurity across Ontario, the Prince Edward County Food Bank has announced ambitious expansion plans to meet growing community needs. The organization revealed yesterday that client visits have surged by nearly 40% over the past year alone, pushing their current facility to its operational limits.
“We’re simply bursting at the seams,” explains Doris Hamilton, Executive Director of the PEC Food Bank. “What we’re seeing isn’t just a temporary spike—it’s a fundamental shift in how many families in our community need support.”
The proposed expansion would double the current warehouse capacity while creating dedicated spaces for client consultations, community cooking classes, and administrative operations. Early architectural renderings showcase a modern, accessible facility designed to serve the community with dignity.
County food bank officials point to multiple factors driving the increased demand. According to their internal data, inflation has pushed grocery prices up approximately 23% since 2022, while housing costs in Prince Edward County have risen at twice the provincial average. These economic pressures have introduced a new demographic to food bank services—the working poor.
“More than half of our new clients are employed, sometimes working multiple jobs,” notes Hamilton. “These aren’t people looking for handouts—they’re hardworking neighbors making impossible choices between rent, utilities, and food.”
The CO24 Business team has learned that the expansion project comes with a $1.2 million price tag. The food bank has already secured approximately $450,000 through private donations and foundation grants, with fundraising efforts now accelerating to reach their target by early 2026.
Local businesses have stepped forward with significant support. Sandbanks Winery has pledged $75,000 over three years, while Wellington Construction has offered to provide reduced-cost services for site preparation.
“This isn’t charity—it’s community investment,” says Michael Benson, Wellington Construction’s CEO. “A strong social safety net makes our entire county more resilient.”
The expansion plan includes innovative sustainability features rarely seen in food bank operations. Solar panels will offset electricity costs, while rainwater collection systems will support an on-site community garden. The CO24 News team has confirmed these elements are expected to reduce operating costs by approximately 22% annually.
County Council will review permit applications next month, with several councillors already expressing support. Councillor Patricia Markham told reporters that “addressing food insecurity requires both immediate relief and systemic solutions—this expansion represents progress on both fronts.”
The food bank’s expansion mirrors similar initiatives across Canada News, where food security organizations are reimagining their roles beyond emergency food provision.
As communities across Ontario grapple with deepening inequality, the question emerges: have food banks become permanent fixtures in our social infrastructure rather than temporary emergency measures? The Prince Edward County expansion suggests we may need to fundamentally rethink how we approach hunger in our communities for generations to come.
