Toronto Maple Leafs star Morgan Rielly joins CCS for launch of mobile food pantry

Caledon Community Services received support for initiative from Amazon, Region of Peel

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

There is now a mobile food pantry serving Caledon. 

On December 16, Caledon Community Services (CCS) celebrated the launch of its mobile food pantry with an event at Amazon's YYZ7 fulfillment centre in Bolton. 

The pantry was made possible thanks to a $55,000 donation from Amazon Canada and a $110,000 grant from the Region of Peel. 

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly attended the event to support the launch of the pantry. Also in attendance were Caledon Mayor Annette Groves, Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones, and members of Caledon Council.

CCS' food bank, The Exchange, now serves over 1,300 residents annually — and this number grows every day. The mobile food pantry was launched as rising gas prices and a lack of public transportation in Caledon have left some unable to access The Exchange to get critical food and hygiene supplies. The pantry, run out of a box truck, is already in service and delivering items to seniors, individuals with limited mobility, single parents and caregivers. 

CCS CEO Geraldine Aguiar said the mobile pantry is a game-changer. 

“With the support of Peel Region and Amazon Canada, we're going beyond the four walls of the Exchange food pantry and reaching families right where they are. We are breaking barriers, serving with dignity, and making sure that no one in Caledon is left behind,” she said. 

Jason Hastings, the Region of Peel's Director of Social Development, Planning and Partnerships, said Peel is happy to support the mobile food pantry. 

“This initiative will significantly improve access to food and address the urgent needs of rural 

Caledon, ensuring that our diverse and widespread community receives the support it deserves,” he said.

Isabella Alves Figueiredo, Amazon YYZ7 site leader, said Amazon is proud to support the mobile food pantry. 

“Amazon cares about supporting the local community, and we share Caledon Community Services' commitment to ensuring that no family goes without basic needs like food and shelter,” she said. “The Mobile Food Pantry… takes an innovative approach to reaching Caledon's most vulnerable residents, and we believe it will have a lasting impact where it is needed most.”

To learn more about CCS' food support services, those interested can visit ccs4u.org, email [email protected], or call 905-584-2300 ext. 276. 

To support Caledon's food bank, donations can be dropped off at 55 Healey Road Unit 10 in Bolton.