This Whitby food bank ran out of food. Then, the donations started pouring in | CBC News

St. Andrew's Community Food Bank in Whitby, Ontario, closed early on May 15 after running out of food. The closure followed serving roughly 800 people more than expected, with more than half being children under 12. A person who used their last bus ticket to reach the food bank left without food. The director reported rising demand and declining donations during the year, with one in four households in Durham Region experiencing food insecurity. The food bank is using supplies as quickly as they arrive. After the closure, community donations increased, including a student-led drive that collected non-perishable items and raised money by selling Freezies.

"St. Andrew's Community Food Bank was forced to close early on May 15 after it served roughly 800 people more than half of whom were children under 12. I'd given away everything, the snacks from our Sunday school program, treats I keep in my purse for my kids, said director Emily Fern. There was nothing left. One person used their last bus ticket to get to the food bank from Pickering, but had to leave empty-handed, she said."

"Fern said she's concerned about meeting the need in the coming weeks, noting the food bank has seen increased demand and declining donations this year. One in four households in Durham Region are dealing with food insecurity, according to the region's website. We're using the food and the supplies pretty much as fast as they're coming in the door, she said."

"Since the post, Fern said the food bank has seen a spike in community donations. Among them, Grade 3 students Maven Espiritusanto and Charlotte Brown hosted their own food drive. They collected non-perishable foods and also sold Freezies to raise money. Charlotte Brown, left, and Maven Espiritusanto hosted a food drive for the St. Andrew's after their school shared the food bank was in need."

"Brown's mother, Leanne, said the friends hosted the drive after their school shared the food bank was in need. The girls have regularly dropped off donations at the food bank in the past, she said. We want them to see that there are community members in need and that it's everybody's responsibility to be a part of the solution, Leanne said. Fern said she's grateful for the community response."

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