Sponsorship Donations Will Help to Reduce Food Insecurity in Barrie

February’s Full Bellies = Happy Hearts Campaign at The Salvation Army Barrie Bayside Mission aims to raise $75,000 for its community meal program, which feeds hundreds of people every day.

A small $5 donation pays for one healthy lunch or dinner for anyone coming to The Salvation Army for help and support in a time of need. This month alone, Barrie Bayside staff and volunteer mission partners will prepare and serve 15,000 meals to keep individuals fed and full.

Each day, as part of its community meal program, Barrie Bayside staff make and serve 150 lunches and 400 dinners, at a cost of $2,750 every day. Donating to the Full Bellies = Happy Hearts Campaign will fund the price of meals for one month, says Major Bruce Shirran, executive director of Barrie Bayside.

“This is a program that is necessary, and the need is great. We’re meeting the basic needs to sustain life by providing hot meals to people. But the bigger need is a place for people to live,” Major Shirran says.

With food costs rising, the demand for healthy meals is on the increase in Barrie. As of mid-February, the Full Bellies = Happy Hearts Campaign has brought in one-third of the $75,000 goal. Businesses, corporations and individuals are encouraged to donate what they can to sustain the community meal program.

Campaign donations can be dropped off at Barrie Bayside, located at 16 Bayfield Street or online at https://donate.salvationarmy.ca/page/62126/donate/1/ Donations and sponsorship enquiries can also be made by calling Kelli Kane at 705-728-3737, ext. 259, or by emailing kelli.kane@salvationarmy.ca.