A new fund has been established to support a sustainable future for Picton Food Bank
In 2025, the Picton United Church Food Bank provided over 110,000 meals – and this year they are experiencing a 40% increase in visits to the food bank. This sharp and sudden increase reflects the escalating number of families and individuals dealing with food insecurity in the County.
To respond to this critical need, a new fund called the Picton Food Bank Endowment Fund has been established at The County Foundation. The Picton Food Bank is seeking to raise an initial $1 million, which will generate interest that can be used by the food bank annually to ensure shelves are stocked with meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, dried goods and other essentials.
The idea for the Fund comes from Picton Food Bank volunteer, Mark Houghton and his wife Erika, who see it as a way to help alleviate the uncertainty that comes from operating a food bank that is dependant on fluctuating community donations.
And to ensure that the Fund gets off to a healthy start, the Picton couple have seeded it with a donation of $100,000.
“Erika and I both experienced food insecurity in our youth and are now lucky enough to be able to give to others. We love this community and are committed to making sure everyone has access to healthy and diverse food,” says Mark.
For The County Foundation’s Executive Director, Dominique Jones, the donors who choose to support this fund want to make sure the Picton Food Bank is there for people who need it now and in the future.
“Donors who support our local food banks help ensure that County residents can put food on the table, meeting that basic essential need. Supporters of this fund go one step further by investing in the food bank’s long-term stability, helping ensure it will continue to be there for individuals and families who need it for years to come.”
As we know, food insecurity is a national issue across Canada and local food banks play an important role in supporting people when they need it most. By assisting with the cost of groceries, it alleviates the pressure on other household costs and helps individuals and families stay on more stable footing.
“There’s a lot of stress involved in food insecurity, both on our clients’ part in struggling to feed their families, and on our part, in never knowing whether we will be able to raise enough to meet the needs of the community,” says Seona Halsey, longtime food bank coordinator of Picton United Church Food Bank. “This fund will give us crucial breathing room to know at least part of our monthly grocery bill is covered.”
Those interested in supporting the endowment fund and helping to create a lasting source of support for the Picton United Church Food Bank are encouraged to connect directly with Dominique Jones at The County Foundation to discuss their giving plans. Dominique can be reached at ed@thecountyfoundation.ca or 613-519-4470.
