• The Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank is seeking up to three new board members.
  • The organization is looking to add expertise in finance, communications, and legal affairs to its volunteer board.
  • Board members serve a two-year term and attend monthly meetings, with optional opportunities to volunteer at food bank events throughout the year.
  • Demand for food bank services continues to grow, with more than 7,000 unique individuals served over the past year.
  • Client numbers are increasing by roughly 20 to 25 per cent annually.
  • Interested residents can apply online through the food bank’s website or email their resume to boardchair@wsfoodbank.ca for consideration.

 

The Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank is recruiting new members for its board of directors as the organization works to meet growing demand in the community.

The food bank is looking to fill two to three board positions, according to co-chair Sudhakaran Dass, who said the organization is seeking individuals with expertise in finance, communications, or legal affairs.

“We’re currently backfilling a couple of roles, and also looking to add a new skill set to our existing board.”

Dass said the food bank has grown significantly in recent years and is looking for people who can bring professional experience to help strengthen its operations.

“We’re looking for people with experience in finance, communication, and legal, not all together, but differently, of course,” he explained. “We are growing as an organization, and these skills are what we want to add to the board to improve our operations.”

Board members are expected to serve a two-year term and attend monthly meetings. Additional volunteer opportunities are available, but participation in those events is optional.

“The board meets every month, and then there is…a commitment based on the work that you do on the board. We also volunteer for some events. That’s totally up to people if they volunteer, but apart from that, it’s a two-year commitment and then you could extend.”

The recruitment effort comes as the food bank continues to see a growing number of people seeking assistance. Over the past year, the organization served more than 7,000 unique individuals from across the community.

Dass said clients come from all walks of life, with the food bank experiencing an annual increase of roughly 20 to 25 per cent.

“It’s across all demographics. It’s single parents, it’s families, it’s new immigrants, it’s seniors, everyone. There’s no one group that’s standing out.”

He attributes the trend to ongoing economic pressures and a demand that has remained elevated since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The economy itself…and post-COVID, we have seen that this trend is continuing since 2022,” he said. “It hasn’t come down. So largely, I would say there is more families in need of support in our community.”

Individuals interested in joining the board can apply through the food bank’s website by completing an online form and submitting a resume. Applications can also be sent by email.

 

Cover image shows (left to right): Imraz Ramani, Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank board director; Patty Tamlin, Strawberry Festival volunteer organizer, Dave Somasundaram, Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank board director, and Sharon O’Shaughnessy, Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank board director.