As winter approaches and household costs continue to rise, the Helping Hand Food Bank in Tillsonburg is launching an urgent appeal for community support. Donations have dropped significantly in recent months, creating a critical situation for one of Oxford County’s vital support systems serving vulnerable residents.
“We’re seeing unprecedented demand coupled with a concerning decrease in donations,” explains Joan Smith, Executive Director of Helping Hand Food Bank. “Our shelves that would normally be stocked for the coming months are showing worrying gaps, particularly in essential items that families rely on daily.”
The food bank, which serves over 300 families monthly in Tillsonburg and surrounding communities, reports a 22% increase in new clients since January—many of whom are working families struggling with inflation and housing costs. This surge has placed immense pressure on their inventory of staple foods.
Most urgently needed are protein-rich foods including canned tuna, salmon, and chicken, along with peanut butter, beans, and lentils. The organization also notes shortages of pasta sauce, breakfast cereals, and personal hygiene products that aren’t covered by most assistance programs.
Local businesses are stepping up to help. Tillsonburg Canadian Tire has established a donation bin at their entrance, while Tim Hortons locations throughout town are collecting non-perishable items through the end of November. The Tillsonburg Legion Branch 153 has also announced a matching donation program where they’ll contribute $1 for every food item donated at their Remembrance Day events, up to $5,000.
“The generosity of our community has always been our greatest strength,” Smith adds. “Even small donations make a tremendous difference when we all contribute what we can.”
For those unable to donate physical items, the food bank has established an online donation portal on their website where financial contributions can be made securely. They emphasize that even $10 can provide breakfast for a family of four for nearly a week through their bulk purchasing agreements with local suppliers.
The situation in Tillsonburg mirrors a troubling trend seen across Canada, with food banks nationwide reporting record usage levels while facing donation shortfalls. Recent CO24 News reporting indicates that nearly one in seven Canadians has accessed food bank services in the past year—a statistic that has risen sharply since the pandemic.
Community food drives are being organized by several local schools, with South Ridge Public School and Glendale High School competing to see which institution can collect the most donations before the December break. These youth-led initiatives have historically provided substantial support during critical periods.
As we enter the season traditionally associated with giving, Tillsonburg residents face a challenging question: in a community where so many have enough, how can we ensure no family goes without basic necessities during these difficult economic times?
Donations can be dropped off at the Helping Hand Food Bank at 36 Tillson Avenue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., or at any of the community collection points throughout town.
