This spring, join us in raising awareness and funds to strengthen food security in Cumberland! Our goal is to raise $50,000 by the end of June to ensure our Healthy Food Program and Food Share continue to operate.  Our Healthy Food Program produces 4,585 meals each month, and 15% of these are provided free of charge to low and modest income families. The Food Share serves as our community’s food bank, and includes bi-weekly deliveries of Healthy Food Hampers to 60 households, including families, adults and seniors. 

Over the past year, Covid-19 has impacted our ability to fundraise while the demand for our food programs has increased. Every day, one in eight Canadians struggle to put good food on the table for themselves and their families. During the pandemic, that number has risen to one in seven as a result of layoffs and the economic downturn.

In a recent survey, CCSS asked community members to identify the biggest challenges facing families in Cumberland. The majority of respondents cited diversity of socio-economic backgrounds, lack of affordable housing, rising cost of living and access to healthy food.

In an effort to meet the needs of our community, CCSS provides both a Healthy Food Program and the Cumberland Food Share. Together, these programs help to increase access to healthy food and ensure Village residents of ALL ages have good, fresh food on their plates.

As a charity, CCSS relies on grants, donations and volunteers to support our efforts and we are hoping you can help! We’re planning exciting events and meaningful ways you can connect, help nourish and watch our community thrive.

1. Become a CCSS monthly donor. Your recurring gift will go directly toward our Healthy Food Program and Food Share. Our goal is to build a monthly donor program that ensures the sustainability of our programs. No donation amount is too big or too small- even $5 a month makes a difference. 

2. Make a one time financial contribution. $100 provides a family with a Healthy Food Box containing fresh food, non-perishables and a recipe. $90 provides a child with 20 subsidized lunches. Charitable tax receipts are issued for all donations. 

3. Drop off donations of non-perishable food in the Food Shed, 2688 Penrith Ave. Please don’t drop off expired or opened food.

4. Grow A Row. Planning your garden? Consider planting an extra row of food for the Food Share. Get in touch when you’re ready to harvest and we’ll deliver to residents via our Healthy Food Boxes. 

EXCITING UPDATES!

• As of June 1 we have raised $32,024 of our $50,000 goal!
• We are collaborating with Archie Pateman Real Estate to help us reach our fundraising goal. He has generously offered to match donations, dollar for dollar, up to $2,000. Donate online and reference Archie to double your impact.