Delving into Our 2024 Impact - Food Programs

Delving into Our 2024 Impact - Food Programs

Our Cardiff and Wilberforce Food Banks are nestled in the heart of Highlands East—an area known for its rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and most of all, its close-knit communities. Here, dedicated teams of volunteers come together to support neighbours facing food insecurity.

In 2024, our Cardiff and Wilberforce Food Banks supported 560 individuals through one-time, emergency, and ongoing food assistance—reflecting a 33% increase in attendance over the past two years.

Let’s take a closer look at how our food programs showed up for the community last year—and the incredible people who made it all possible.

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Meals Prepared with Love, Led by Linda and Gail

In 2024, our Highlands East Community Cooks prepared 5,209 frozen meals and 1,004 snacks—each one made with care and compassion. These meals are a lifeline for neighbours who may not be able to cook or who lack access to a kitchen.

With a focus on reducing food waste, our cooks use ingredients that might otherwise go unused—turning surplus into nourishment.

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Hampers Delivered with Care, Led by Sandy, Cam, & Karen

When families can’t make it to the food bank, we bring support to their doorsteps. In 2024, our volunteers delivered 170 food hampers across Highlands East.

We’re committed to removing barriers—so no one in our community has to face hunger alone.

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Stocking Shelves with Our Cargo Van, led by Ken

​Thanks to the cargo van fundraised in 2023, we can collect free, bulk food donations from outside Haliburton County. In 2024, our volunteer drivers transported 211,319 lbs of food—valued at approximately $758,000—helping us cut costs and keep our shelves full.

We work hard to spend wisely, stretch every donated dollar, and maximize the support we can offer.

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Strengthening the Food Banking Network, Led by Ken

​Providing a variety of food options isn’t just thoughtful—it’s essential. It ensures that clients can access foods that meet their health needs, cultural practices, and personal preferences.

To help make this possible, we coordinated 56 food deliveries and trades with neighbouring food banks—diversifying what’s available in Highlands East and supporting the broader local food banking network.

Because when we work together, we all show up stronger.

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Together, we met the need.

You were part of something powerful — together, we turned under $300,000 into over $1.7 million of impact in Haliburton County throughout 2024. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for standing with us.

2024 Impact Report

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About Us

​The Central Food Network operates the Wilberforce and Cardiff Food Banks, Heat Bank Haliburton County, Free Community Income Tax Clinics, and more. We do not receive any ongoing government funding—we’re powered by the generosity of our community.