Kawartha Food Share faces surge in demand as ice storm strains resources

A vital lifeline for food security in Peterborough is grappling with unprecedented challenges following a powerful ice storm that swept through the region over the weekend. The storm left widespread power outages in its wake, forcing residents and local agencies to discard spoiled food, putting immense pressure on Kawartha Food Share’s resources.

Ashlee Aitken, General Manager of Kawartha Food Share, emphasized that while the organization’s main warehouse on Neil Drive escaped the outages, the majority of their affiliates, 36 member agencies and 51 schools in the area, are still without power.

The storm’s aftermath has triggered a ripple effect. As power is gradually restored, many households have had to throw out spoiled fridge and freezer contents, leaving them in urgent need of replenishment. At the same time, member agencies that typically distribute food to clients on the front lines have been crippled by the outages, driving more individuals directly to Kawartha Food Share for help.

One bright spot amid the chaos is the community response. Aitken highlighted efforts to support areas like Curve Lake First Nation, where the food bank is without power, but the community centre remains operational.

The strain on Kawartha Food Share’s shelves is undeniable. Already stretched thin this time of year, the food bank is now appealing to the public for donations of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items that don’t require power to cook.

For residents still without power and in need of assistance, Aitken recommends checking Kawartha Food Share’s social media pages for an updated list of operational food banks. Currently, Good Neighbours Care Centre is the only agency with power and is serving as the primary referral point.

As Peterborough continues its recovery, Aitken anticipates the urgency in the area to last several more days as they try to restock their member agencies and support affected households. For now, the community’s generosity and resilience will be key to weathering the storm’s lingering effects.

(Written by: Scott Arnold)