St. Joe’s Food Drive Committee recognizes 15 years of giving back
Each month in Hamilton, 12,000 households rely on a food bank to put food on the table, according to Hamilton Food Share.
While there’s been an alarming increase in the number of people relying on food banks, hunger and food insecurity are ongoing challenges faced by many in our community. Fifteen years ago, a small group of St. Joe’s healthcare workers, keenly aware of these challenges, formed a committee and created a holiday food drive as another way to give back to the community they serve.
What started as a two-department food drive has grown steadily each year, soon becoming an annual hospital-wide initiative spanning more than 95 departments, organized and managed by St. Joe’s staff members volunteering their time and energy.
Over the last 15 years, St. Joe’s staff, physicians, learners and volunteers have donated more than $143,000, and 25,000 pounds of food to support Hamilton Food Share, which serves a network of 23 hunger-relief programs across Hamilton. In 2023, St. Joe’s Food Drive Committee proudly presented Hamilton Food Share with a cheque for more than $30,000, and three skids of food, weighing more than 2,400 pounds – the largest donation yet.
“I’m so proud to have supported Hamilton Food Share for 15 years now,” says St. Joe’s Food Drive Committee chair, Deborah Walsh. “Healthcare workers at St. Joe’s are on the frontline and see the impacts of poverty, unaffordability and food insecurity every day. Contributing to the food drive is just one more way that the team at St. Joe’s is supporting our community, and demonstrating the values instilled by the Sisters of St. Joseph.”
Each year, the Food Drive Committee organizes 50/50 draws, bake sales, craft sales and other opportunities to raise funds and food. Hamilton Food Share has recognized this commitment by naming St. Joe’s as a Corporate Sponsor, a title given to organizations that donate more than $10,000 each year.
“The dedicated St. Joe’s community rallies together each year to aid families facing hunger in our community, providing crucial support during the holiday season,” says Radhika Subramanyan, Chief Executive Officer of Hamilton Food Share. “Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the St. Joe’s community, whose commitment goes beyond hospital care, ensuring not only the well-being of patients but also the nourishment of our vulnerable neighbours.”