Shelburne Food Bank prepares for fall with call for community support

September 3, 2026 · 0 Comments

How hard is it to believe that the end of summer is on the horizon, and yet for the Shelburne Food Bank, we are glad it is!

This summer was hard for many families in our community. Rising costs, longer stretches between paydays, and the ongoing impact of economic uncertainty meant more neighbours than ever needed help putting food on the table.

At the food bank, we felt those pressures every day through increased demand for groceries, more requests for assistance, and the reality that food insecurity doesn’t pause when the weather changes. Our team of volunteers worked tirelessly to keep food moving from our shelves into the hands of the people who needed it the most. But even with all that effort, summer brought a lot of challenges.

More families struggling to meet basic needs. There is higher demand for non-perishable items and fresh produce. In addition, there has been a growing strain on the resources that make our services possible, combined with a decrease in donations over the summer months.

In moments like these, we are reminded how powerful the community can be. Every donation, whether it’s food or funds, helps ensure that families can access the nutrition they need.

As we move into the ‘ber’ months –– September, October, November and December –– we remain hopeful. We believe this season can be better and not just because the calendar changes but because the community shows up again and again. Fresh produce from many gardens has been coming weekly to the food bank, and we are so grateful!

Fall often brings new challenges. Back-to-school expenses, shifting household budgets and the start of months where assistance needs can continue to grow. That’s why we are asking for your help now so that we can prepare, plan and respond.

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Shelburne, over 200 new backpacks with lunch kits and water bottles went out to our neighbours!

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and our thoughts turn to turkeys! We are again calling on our local businesses to help make this Thanksgiving brighter by sponsoring turkeys for families in our community. If your business is interested, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at shelburnefoodbank@gmail.com.

The Shelburne Food Bank is running a 50/50 draw with the grand prize of $3,750 being drawn on Nov 21! You can support us by getting your ticket from a volunteer!

On Oct. 3, the Rotary Club of Shelburne and CDDHS will have a town-wide food drive followed by Pumpkinfest.

On Oct. 18, the Shelburne Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Shelburne have organized a Smoked Turkey Dinner at the Legion from 5 to 7 p.m. with all proceeds donated to the food bank. Tickets are $25 and $15 for children. It includes music by Whiskey and Wildflowers. Tickets are now on sale.

Halloween Haunt in the Park returns on Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31 –– another annual fundraiser for the food bank by the Little Family.

Nov. 21 will be the third annual Nutcracker Gala held at the Shelburne Golf & Country Club. Already 80 per cent sold out, this festive evening of food, entertainment, silent and live auctions and good fellowship is another very fun collaboration between the Rotary Club of Shelburne and the Shelburne Food Bank.

Need more info? Just email us at shelburnefoodbank@gmail.com and ask!

We welcome everyone to participate in one of these many ways to support the food bank this fall.

As we head into the fall, we’re choosing hope and choosing to believe that with your help, we can serve more people, provide more food and strengthen our impact where it matters most. Let’s work together for a stronger fall. We’re ready.

Now we need you!

This week’s community voice column was provided by Ardith Dunlop from the Shelburne Food Bank.