Ontario Pork and Kitchener Rangers Announce Food and Fund Drive

KITCHENER – In celebration of Canada’s Agriculture Day, Ontario Pork is excited to announce that we are teaming up with the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers to help restock food bank shelves by holding a large-scale food and fund drive. 

“Ontario pork producers believe in the importance of building strong communities,” said Ontario Pork Board Chair John de Bruyn “What better way to support community building than to come together at a hockey game and participate in this food drive that highlights the ongoing food insecurity affecting so many people in our community.”

When the Rangers host the Guelph Storm on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, fans are being asked to bring non-perishable food items to the game. The food will be collected by volunteers from Ontario Pork and Feed Ontario, and then distributed through The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

“This food and fund drive comes at a crucial time when our inventory levels are a bit lower after increased demand for assistance during the holiday season,” said Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “But thanks to our community’s help, we can replenish our distribution centre, ensuring that those in need continue to receive support through the Community Food Assistance Network.”

This food and fund drive is the second of the season the Rangers have held at the Auditorium. In December, $3,668 was raised and 1,575 pounds of food was collected, resulting in 8,567 meals. 

"We believe in the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together,” said Kitchener Rangers COO, Joe Birch.  “Partnering with Ontario Pork to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and Feed Ontario for this gameday food drive is our way of scoring big off the ice by ensuring no one in our community goes hungry. We encourage fans to bring non-perishable food items to the game on Tuesday, February 13, when the Rangers take on the Guelph Storm."

For 11 years Ontario Pork and industry partners have proudly supported Feed Ontario and its network of 1,200 food banks and hunger-relief organizations. The ‘Friends of the Food Bank’ program has delivered over 1.1 million servings of pork to food banks across the province.  

“This food drive is just another example of the tremendous support that Ontario Pork and everyone working in the pork industry provides to the food bank network across Ontario and we are grateful for their ongoing support,” said Feed Ontario’s Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Stewart. “More Ontarians are struggling to make ends meet and the food collected at this event will help ensure that food banks in this community can be there for those who need them.”

Fans will also be able to buy copies of the Ontario Pork book The Whole Hog. The book features recipes, stories, and tips on how to cook pork that come directly from people who work across the pork supply chain. All proceeds from its sale will go to Feed Ontario. 

Fans attending the game on February 13, are asked to bring non-perishable food items or donate to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Food donation bins will be located at the Ottawa Street, Stirling Avenue, and East Avenue entrances, and at the Community Corner of the Auditorium.