Renewed Hope Food Fair delivers 4,430 meals for Caledon residents

By MUHAMMAD HAMZA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon-based registered charity Renewed Hope distributed 5,800 pounds of groceries and fresh produce during its July 4 Food Fair, providing the equivalent of more than 4,430 individual meals for residents facing rising grocery and food costs.

Timothy, who asked to go by his first name, a spokesperson for the non-profit, said the event was successful due to its significant community impact, recalling emotional moments when residents thanked volunteer efforts for providing free groceries.

“We had one lady ask how much the market cost, and we told her everything was free. She said, ‘I've never seen anything like it in my life.' Another woman filled her bag with groceries, started crying, and said, ‘I have never been given anything free. This is absolutely incredible,” he said.

More than 25 volunteers dedicated their time and energy generously to unload trucks, organize and sort food, welcome guests, distribute groceries, and ensure the event ran smoothly.

While highlighting the economic challenges families are facing these days, Timothy said the Food Fair helped ease the burden of rising grocery costs for residents.

“When they go to the cash register, 65 percent of people have to leave items out of their grocery cart,” he said.

“What we like to do is step up and say, ‘Renewed Hope is here for you. We decided to put on food fairs to help people with rising grocery costs. With inflation and increasing food prices, it's challenging for everybody, and this is one way we can help alleviate some of that pressure.”

The Food Fair ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the organization's headquarters at 55 Queen St. N, Bolton.

Renewed Hope extended its sincere appreciation to Anthony Caputo and his team and all other participants for investing in the well-being of the community and helping ensure that hundreds of families had access to nutritious food when they needed it most.

“Every pound of food distributed represents more than nourishment,” the spokesperson said. “It represents hope. It represents neighbours helping neighbours. We are deeply grateful to evand community partner who made this event possible.”