Temporary food donation boxes will be operational in September from Clarington to Pickering

Clarington is leading the charge for the upcoming National Hunger Action Month and is looking to acquire food donations to aid communities in Durham alongside other municipalities. 

The Feed The Need in Durham incentive is in response to rising food costs impacting numerous municipalities throughout southern Ontario.

As a result, from September 5 to 27, residents throughout the region can drop off non-perishable food items in never-before-seen capacities, as numerous drop-off centres will temporarily open.

Specific items that are being actively sought throughout the Durham Region include:

• Canned protein:  tuna, salmon, canned meat, baked beans, peanut butte
• Fruits and vegetables:  pasta sauce, canned vegetables, canned fruits
• Healthy snacks: granola bars, juice boxes, fruit cups, apple sauce, crackers
• Breakfast food: oatmeal, cereal jam, syrup, pancake mix
• Hygiene items: shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste

Additional information provided by Feed The Need in Durham representatives indicated that for every dollar donated, two meals will be widely distributed to those in need in the Durham Region. 

Last year Durham Region municipalities collectively raised approximately 10,000 lbs of food, and organizers are hoping to beat that total this year.

“We need your help to fight hunger in our community. Hunger and food insecurity can affect our neighbours, friends, and families right here in Durham,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “That’s why we’re asking you to support local food banks through Feed the Need in Durham. During Hunger Action Month, you can join us in donating to this vital cause and helping those who struggle to put food on the table.”

Drop-off box locations are as follows: 

Clarington 

• Municipal Administrative Centre, 40 Temperance Street in Bowmanville
• Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, 2440 Highway 2 in Bowmanville
• Diane Hamre Recreation Complex, 1780 Rudell Road in Newcastle
• Courtice Community Complex, 2950 Courtice Road North
• South Courtice Arena, 1595 Prestonvale Road in Courtice
• Fire Station 1, 2430 Highway 2 in Bowmanville
• Fire Station 2, 3333 Highway 2 in Newcastle
• Fire Station 4, 2611 Trulls Road in Courtice

Ajax 

• Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Avenue South)
• McLean Community Centre (95 Magill Drive)
• Ajax Community Centre (75 Centennial Road)
• Audley Recreation Centre (1955 Audley Road North)

Oshawa

• City Hall
• 50 Centre St. S Recreation Centres
• Delpark Homes Centre: 1661 Harmony Rd. N.
• Civic Recreation Complex: 99 Thornton Rd S.
• South Oshawa Community Centre: 1455 Cedar St.
• Donevan Recreation Complex: 171 Harmony Rd. S.
• Oshawa Senior Community Centres: John Street Branch: 43 John Street W.
• Fire Station 1: 199 Adelaide Ave. W.
• Fire Station 2: 1111 Simcoe St. S.
• Fire Station 3: 50 Beatrice St. E.
• Fire Station 4: 50 Harmony Rd. N.
• Fire Station 5: 1550 Harmony Rd. N.
• Fire Station 6: 2339 Simcoe St. N.

Pickering 

(*Extended to October 17 and done in partnership with Pickering Activity Council for Teens Food Drive)

• Pickering Public Library, Central Branch (One The Esplanade)
• East Shore Community Centre (910 Liverpool Road)
• George Ashe Library & Community Centre (470 Kingston Road)
• Municipal Administration Building
• Brock Libraries
• Sunderland Fire Hall
• Brock Arenas 

Scugog

• Operation Scugog, (593 Alma Street, Port Perry)

Uxbridge 

• Zehrs
• Pharmasave 
• Trail Capital Pharmacy

Whitby (Locations to be announced in September)

For more information on The Feed The Need in Durham and the Pickering Activity Council for Teens Food Drive initiatives, visit both organization’s official websites.