When Georgetown Bread Basket joined Feed Halton’s Agency Network in early 2024, they were struggling with inconsistent food supplies and limited fresh options for their clients. Program coordinator Sarah Chen recalls the frustration of never knowing what would be available from week to week.

“We’d spend hours driving to different suppliers, sometimes coming back empty-handed,” Sarah explains. “Our volunteers were exhausted, and we couldn’t offer families the variety they deserved.”

Everything changed when Feed Halton’s weekly deliveries began arriving. Suddenly, Georgetown Bread Basket had access to consistent supplies of fresh produce, dairy products, and culturally diverse food options through Feed Halton’s bulk procurement program.

“Last month, we served 340 families compared to 180 families during the same period last year,” Sarah notes. “But the real difference is in the conversations we’re having. Instead of apologizing for what we don’t have, we’re asking families what they need and actually being able to provide it.”

The partnership freed up 15 volunteer hours per week that were previously spent on procurement and transportation. Those hours are now dedicated to client services, including a new program helping families plan nutritious meals with their food bank selections.

“Feed Halton didn’t just solve our supply problems,” Sarah reflects. “They gave us back our mission – focusing on the people we serve instead of the logistics of serving them.”