Every week, whether it’s freezing rain or clear skies, the Whitby Specialty Food Bank sets up in a church parking lot early Tuesday morning. Exposed to the elements, a team of dedicated volunteers operates with just skids, tarps and an unwavering commitment to the community they serve.
Founded by registered nurse Marcia White in 2016, the foodbank began by serving families in Durham. Since then, it has expanded to support over 30 food banks, reaching over 3,000 families weekly across Durham, Belleville, London and Barrie.
“We couldn’t operate without our donors, our largest being Second Harvest,” Marcia shared. In addition to their weekly pickups from our Etobicoke warehouse, the food bank has rescued over 1.5 million pounds of food through daily pickups on the Second Harvest Food Rescue App, which Marcia refers to as "the best thing since sliced bread."
Whitby Specialty Food Bank is dedicated to understanding and responding to each family’s evolving circumstances. They tailor pallets for food banks with specific needs, such as halal or vegetarian options, and customize weekly boxes for families, aiming to provide 75% perishable goods including diary, eggs and fresh produce.
“We wouldn’t be able to help without the quantity and the quality from Second Harvest,” Marcia explained.
Regular communication ensures they stay up to date with needs, like whether a baby has outgrown diapers, or a grandparent has moved in. During the holiday season while fresh turkeys are handed out, families in temporary housing without access to kitchen facilities receive fully cooked dinners instead.
In recent years, Marcia has seen a rise in need, particularly among working families and individuals who never expected to face food insecurity. She attributes this shift to the 2020 lockdown and rising living costs.
“People are juggling still,” Marcia says. “When they come to us, their secret is safe.”
Clients check in with a name and receive a number that corresponds to a box packed with an assortment of customized goods. The process remains discreet and respectful, whether they’re picking up for themselves or delivering to someone else.
When it rains, volunteers set up gazebos and stretch tarps over the skids, sometimes returning home for a change of dry clothes and coming back.
“We could not do what we do without the caliber of volunteers we have,” Marcia says.
Despite operating without a permanent facility, Marcia dreams big. She envisions a place of their own, where they can offer safe, welcoming spaces for unhoused individuals and seniors, shielded from the elements. A space for shared meals and after-school programming. For now, the parking lot remains a hub of warmth and community throughout every season.
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