Finding solutions together: addressing food insecurity in Muskoka
- June 19, 2025
- 2 min read
In Muskoka, more and more families are facing a difficult choice: put healthy food on the table or pay for other necessary expenses. With food insecurity on the rise, local organizations are proving that collaboration, not competition, is key to feeding our communities.
Cool community collaborations
A new walk-in cooler and freezer was installed at Manna Food Bank in Bracebridge. This was a community effort with grants from the Paul and Ruby Erb Fund and the Lowden Family Fund, totaling $19,500 matching other significant community contributions.
The installation of the walk-in cooler and freezer at Manna enhances food recovery efforts across the District of Muskoka, allowing food banks to coordinate their efforts to receive more fresh produce, meat, and dairy products that are passed on to their clients.
Teaming up to feed families
With support from the Feed Muskoka Fund at Muskoka Community Foundation, Food4Kids Muskoka and Corner Lighthouse Food Bank are working together to access food rescue items across Muskoka and the Province. By sharing transportation resources, both organizations will be able to provide more resources to the individuals they serve as well as other food security organizations across the District of Muskoka.
Finding solutions as a community
The Manna Food Bank is leading an important initiative to strengthen collaboration across the food security sector, thanks to a grant from the Feed Muskoka Fund. Through regular forums and learning opportunities, food banks and community partners are coming together to share best practices, coordinate efforts, and explore innovative approaches to food access. The forums are a space for these organizations to share what they are experiencing on the ground, and inform local, regional, and provincial conversations about the growing challenges facing households in Muskoka.
Muskoka’s food security sector relies heavily on volunteers and local businesses to meet our communities’ needs. From food handling regulations to transportation logistics, this work requires a high level of service to the people they serve.
We encourage you to learn more about the local food bank or program in your community, and what you can do to support their services and volunteers.
