Innisfil, ON – The Innisfil Community Foundation has awarded a three-year grant totaling $78,498 to the Innisfil Food Bank. This critical funding will provide targeted support to families during one of the most financially challenging times of year, August, as children prepare to return to school and household expenses rise.
Each year, the Innisfil Food Bank experiences a sharp increase in demand during August, while donations typically decline. With this new, multi-year grant, the organization will have sufficient funds to distribute monthly food boxes to approximately 175 families each August from 2025 through 2027. Each box contains approximately 50 pounds of nutritious food, including core staples and protein-rich items, designed to feed a family of four for up to one month.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Innisfil Community Foundation for their generous support. Thanks to a substantial grant, we’ll be able to help children start the school year off right,” says Donna Sawyer, Innisfil Food Bank Coordinator.
The Innisfil Food Bank serves an average of 175 families per month, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes, families with young children, or multigenerational households. In January 2025 alone, they served 205 families.
“With a focus on including protein-rich foods and school-safe snacks in our food boxes, we’re ensuring that kids head to class well-nourished and ready to learn. Thank you, Innisfil Community Foundation, for helping us help others!”
More than half of the Innisfil Food Banks’ clients support dependents who are either children, seniors, or both. Many clients are employed but are still unable to meet basic expenses due to rising costs in rent, groceries, gas, and utilities.
“No family should have to choose between rent, school supplies, putting food on the table,” says Sandra Rizzardo, Chair, Innisfil Community Foundation Board of Directors. “The Innisfil Food Bank is a passionate community-driven organization that understands the unique challenges families here face. By funding the August food boxes, we’re not just providing food, we’re investing in the well-being and resilience of our neighbours, while alleviating a burden at a stressful time of year for many families.”
In 2024, the Innisfil Food Bank supported 1,909 families, 286 of whom were new clients. They continue to see growing demand as economic pressures increase for many local households.
Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at the Innisfil Food Bank from Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 3 PM. Anyone in need of help with food can call 705-436-1611 ext. 201 for assistance.
About the Innisfil Food Bank
The Innisfil Food Bank is supported by the community and is managed and operated as an outreach of Innisfil Community Church. Innisfil Community Church has provided food to the community free of charge for decades. As the demand has increased, people came to call them “INNISFIL FOOD BANK” and so they have intensified their efforts to serve the community in an even bigger way. Make a financial gift to the Innisfil Food Bank: https://innisfil.churchcenter.com/giving
About the Innisfil Community Foundation
Innisfil Community Foundation is here to strengthen the common good. The Foundation makes trust-based community grants to empower the organizations that work tirelessly in our community. Created from partnerships with the Town of Innisfil and the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation, Innisfil Community Foundation strives to be a true partner to the organizations working hard to make the community a better place.