NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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On March 16, 2023, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) concluded the third annual Spring Forward Food Drive.
The Spring Forward Food Drive is led by officers of the NRPS Community Oriented Response & Engagement Unit who were supported by our Auxiliary Unit. CORE and Auxiliary Unit officers partnered with nine local food banks and 12 local grocery stores in an effort to help support the demand for food and donations within Niagara. Where food drives in the past centred on the holiday season, the NRPS Spring Forward Food Drive has been designed to combat food insecurity that challenges the community through out the year.
“I am so very proud of this event. Our members have gone above and beyond to help families across Niagara, recognizing that this has been a particularly difficult year for many," said Chief Bryan MacCulloch. "We recognize that policing is always evolving and supporting the community that we serve in different meaningful ways is important. Food insecurity exists in Niagara, and I am so proud that my officers are making difference in this area.”
Over the four days that donations were accepted, 9,044 lbs in food and $10,113.45 in cash/gift cards were received. The three-year total is 51,044 lbs in food and $35,113.45 in cash/gift cards.
“This is a great event to be a part of. We have had a chance to not only collect an incredible amount of donations but to also meet and talk to some great people in our community," said organizer Cst. Jay McCarthy. "This event is also about the power of partnerships coming together for a great cause. We could not do this event without the support of the grocery stores, the food banks, and the volunteers.”
Post Food in Niagara Falls donated 2,595 lbs of cereal products. This is the third time Post Food has made a sizable donation to the NRPS Spring Forward Food Drive. A number of the involved grocery stores also provided food donations to the food drive.
The food banks that were supported by the food drive included:
- Salvation Army – Fort Erie
- Port Cares – Port Colborne
- Hope Centre – Welland
- Pelham Cares – Pelham
- Project Share – Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake
- West Lincoln Community Care – Smithville
- Community Care – St. Catharines, Thorold
- Grimsby Benevolent Fund – Grimsby
- Community Care of West Niagara – Beamsville
This event would not have been possible were it not for the support of the participating grocery stores. Thank you to the following grocery stores:
- No Frills – 1135 Thompson Rd. – Fort Erie
- Sobeys – 287 West Side Rd. - Port Colborne
- No Frills – 390 Lincoln St. – Welland
- Zehrs – 821 Niagara St. – Welland
- Food Basics – 130 Hwy. 20 East – Pelham
- Zehrs – 6940 Morrison St. – Niagara Falls
- Food Basics – 3770 Montrose Rd. – Niagara Falls
- Foodland – 239 St. Catharine St. – Smithville
- Superstore – 411 Louth St. – St. Catharines
- No Frills – 581 Lake St. - St. Catharines
- Superstore – 361 South Service Rd. – Grimsby
- No Frills - 4961 King St. – Lincoln (Beamsville)
The NRPS would most importantly like to recognize the community of Niagara. The generosity was incredible to see and be a part of.
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