Canada – Ontario 2

Supporting food security in Ontario

Kirsten Berry and Heather Shaheen from Aspen Canada’s Ontario team supported the London Food Bank in celebration of Mandela Day. During 2024 more than 15 500 unique households sought help from the London Food Bank and nearly 5 000 households were assisted for the first time during that year.

Our eager Aspen employees partnered with this beneficiary and met one of their priority needs by purchasing products valued at $600. They delivered the supplies to the London Food Warehouse where they also volunteered and sorted items for distribution to London families in need.

“This was such a rewarding experience for the both of us. We were very proud to be part of the Ontario Mandela Day initiative by volunteering our time to help make food available for people in need across Ontario,”
said Kirsten Berry, Aspen Pharmacare Canada
Mandela Day Ambassador.

When the London Food Bank was established in 1986, co-directors Jane Roy and Glen Pearson determined that it should be largely volunteer-run and fully transparent to the community. Now in its 35^th year, this non-profit organisation continues to flourish as a result of its great volunteers, six full-time and two part-time paid employees, and a community that continues to donate supplies year after year.

The terms “food insecurity” and “food security” are often used out of context. Food insecurity is about helping hungry families – something Londoners have generously supported. Food security is about creating a community where food is affordable, available and accessible to all who live here, regardless of their circumstances. For the last four years, the London Food Bank has placed its emphasis on food security and the ability of all Londoners to afford the food that they require