Community support programs

...the voice of hunger in York Region

Energy Efficient Light bulb Program

Power stream logo This year YRFN will be partnering with PowerStream in the distribution of energy efficient light bulbs (also known as compact fluorescents or CFLs) to food bank clients who live in the utility’s service area. CFLs provide the same light as incandescent light bulbs but use approximately 25 percent of the power, reducing energy consumption and household electricity costs. CFLs also last several years longer than incandescent bulbs, saving householders additional funds over the life of each unit.

The distribution and use of CFLs supports PowerStream’s efforts to have electricity consumers become more powerWISE^®

Back to School Backpack program

In 2006, with the generous support of IKEA Vaughan, Dymin Steel and the community, YRFN distributed 453 backpacks to children of low-income families through the York Region foodbank network.
Please call 905.967.0428 to find out how you can support this program in 2006.

The Back-to-School backpack program not only provides basic school supplies directly to low income children, but also increases self-esteem and confidence of at-risk children, reduces financial and emotional stress for parents unable to provide back to school supplies and lessens the need for low-income families to take funds from their limited food budget to purchase required school supplies. The distribution of the supplies takes place each August and September through York Region Food Banks and Women’s Centre of York Region.

Back-to-School backpacks
IKEA Vaughan

In December 2004 YRFN initiated a Winter Needs program to provide much needed supplies directly to the children of food bank clients. YRFN distributed thermoses, soup and high quality winter wear through the food banks. This year, the Food Network’s Winter Needs program will enable the food banks to supply families with fresh and canned fruit over the winter months. Produce with a retail value of $8000 will be included in many of the Holiday Hampers prepared by York Region food banks across the region.

The launch of these innovative programs is the direct result of the realization that food banks no longer provide just food; as the working poor struggle to carry on, food banks are also providing basic necessities, such as school supplies, mittens and gloves to York Region Residents.

York Region Food Network gratefully acknowledges Community Development Investment Fund – Regional Municipality of York for the financial support of these two programs.