Submitted by Linda Godhue
There is an adage that says to know where you are going, you need to know where you have been. That is the case with the Tobermory Food Bank (TFB) as it is with any group or organization. We are fortunate to have our treasurer Rick Caron who keeps accurate records of the important numbers that help us plan ahead for the coming months. The following are some numbers that reveal a snapshot of the work of the Tobermory Food Bank in 2025.
• 55 households accessed the TFB at least once in 2025
• 132 people we supported (48 children, 72 adults, 12 seniors)
• 113 hampers were assembled and distributed over Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
• 602 volunteer hours (reflecting January – November 2025)
The actual number of volunteer hours is a low estimate, as many of our volunteers do not submit the actual hours devoted to their volunteering with the Food Bank. Volunteers are there to assist clients during regular Food Bank hours, pick up the Second Harvest donations from Peacocks, bring them to the food bank, weigh and put away on shelves and in the freezers. Come out to assemble the Hampers and deliver to those who do not have access to a vehicle. On hand for special events such as Hot Dog Sales, Stuff the Cruiser and once a year to make breakfast for the Men’s Breakfast Group. Also volunteers shop for grocery items for the shelves with the monies donated to the TFB, as well as picking up donations as far away as Owen Sound. But we know that is what volunteering is all about, as reflected by the many volunteers of all the other organizations and groups and Churches here in our wonderful community.
We know our work is cut out for us in the coming year, as the number of visits keep increasing as the cost of living keeps rising.
In the December 16th edition of the Bruce Peninsula Press there was a media release from the United Way Bruce-Grey. This release tells us that the Living Wage in Bruce-Grey counties increased in 2025 to $24.60 an hour a 6.7% increase from 2024. The Living Wage determination is what must be earned hourly to pay the cost of housing, food, transportation and clothing. The only place in Ontario that has a higher Living Wage is Toronto at $27.20 an hour, which had a year over year increase of 4.6%. The Provincial Average increased by 5.3%. It could be said that a large metropolitan City like Toronto would have the highest Living Wage, but it is a surprising fact that Bruce-Grey would be the second most expensive place to live in the Province.
The Living Wage for Bruce-Grey at $24.60 becomes even more surprising when you compare it with a similar Rural/Urban mix of Brant-Haldimand and Norfolk County at a Living Wage of $21.40, which only increased over the 2024 figure by 2.4%. In the same year Bruce-Grey increased more than twice that amount.
These statistics support the fact of why we are seeing an increase in the number of people in our community experiencing Food Insecurity. But it is important to know and recognize that the Tobermory Food Bank is so fortunate to be in a community that shows it’s caring by the more than generous support it gives the Food Bank. That support is shown by the donations of grocery items, cash donations and coming out to fundraising events. Support from the students and staff from St. Edmunds Public School to Bruce Power Corporation and all the other individuals, organizations, Churches and business that donate to the Tobermory Food Bank.
So, as we look to the year ahead, we know that Food Insecurity is something that has been increasing over the past few years. We as volunteers at the Tobermory Food Bank are privileged to be the ones that see the generosity of this community being passed on to those most in need. And for that we are truly grateful.
If you wish to have more information about the Tobermory Food Bank and its work, please visit our website tobermoryfoodbank.ca or call Linda at 519-596-2333.
As a last note, if you are experiencing Food Insecurity, even if it is not on a regular basis, but perhaps from an unexpected expense, please do not hesitate to get in touch or visit the Food Bank during our regular hours of Tuesday 1-3 p.m. at The Meeting Place Tobermory. Or if you are aware of someone facing that issue, please encourage them to contact us or come to the Food Bank. We are there to help, and all is held in confidence by our volunteers.
Happy New Year!
