September is National Hunger Action Month, a time to give and help those in need.

Hunger is an important issue that affects residents from across our region, and this year, you can participate in two important food drives taking place in Pickering.

Drop off non-perishable foods at participating facilities – locations and hours of operation are listed below.

Feed the Need - Joint Food Drive with Durham Region Municipalities

Taking place from September 5 to 28, 2023

  • Pickering City Hall (One The Esplanade, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
  • Fire Station #4 (4941 Old Brock Road, Claremont, every day 8 am to 8 pm)
  • Make a financial donation online. For every $1 donated, Feed the Need in Durham can collect, store and distribute $7 worth of food and other needed product to reach those in need.

Proceeds will go toward Feed the Need’s network of regional emergency food providers, including both St. Paul’s on the Hill Community Food Bank and Carea Community Health Centre, located in Pickering.

Read the Region of Durham News Release.

Pickering Activity Council for Teens (PAC4Teens) Food Drive

September 1 to October 1, 2023 - donations accepted Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm

  • East Shore Community Centre (910 Liverpool Road)
  • George Ashe Community Centre (470 Kingston Road)

Proceeds will go toward St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Community Food Bank

About PAC4Teens

PAC4Teens is the City of Pickering’s volunteer youth group, targeting residents ages 13-19 years. The group offers support and feedback on the City’s youth events, programs, and initiatives. For more information, or to join, please contact lthompson@pickering.ca or apnaitz@pickering.ca

Quick Facts
  • View Feed the Need in Durham’s Wish List of most desired food items here.
  • Cash donations can be made online.
  • In 2022, the Region and area municipalities collectively raised food and funds equivalent to 17,867 pounds of food (or 48,894 meals) for Feed the Need in Durham and local food banks. This year’s goal is to beat that record by 10 per cent.
  • Feed the Need in Durham collects, stores, and distributes 2 million pounds of food annually to 65 emergency food providers and five school nutrition programs across Durham Region.
  • Between now and 2046, Durham Region's population is projected to grow by almost 40 per cent. That's faster than the Ontario average.
  • Almost 300 people are currently on the Region of Durham’s homelessness “by-name list”, up from about 209 people in December 2021. This list keeps track of people experiencing chronic homelessness and includes individuals, seniors, and families.