Back in 1985, active members of the faith community were concerned about the growing level of poverty in Georgina, and decided to help out by establishing a food bank for Georgina residents. A committee was formed and the initial search for a location began.
In the Spring of 1986, an old, unused barn at the corner of Metro Road and Dalton Road (in Jackson’s Point) was offered – rent free. Although the building had no heat, that was not a concern in the spring and summer of 1986.
All the churches sent volunteers, and teams were created to prepare the building. Other teams collected and sorted food donations. Others stocked the newly created shelves in the barn. Donations came in from the churches and individuals, as well as the single grocery store in Sutton at the time, the IGA.
By opening day that spring, volunteers had prepared food boxes of various sizes: singles boxes; small boxes to feed a family of 2 or 3; medium boxes to feed 4 to 6 people; and larger boxes to feed 7 or more people.
On the first day, the Food Pantry was open (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) there was a concern that they might run out of food. By 1 p.m., very little food was left. An older gentleman came in, well after closing time, looking for a box of food. The volunteers were able to find enough food to fill a box. When he left, there was nothing left on the shelves.