For more than four decades, the Cambridge Food Bank has been a steady and compassionate presence in our community. Since opening its doors in 1985 in response to a severe economic recession, the organization has grown into a vital hub for food access, education, and community connection across Cambridge and North Dumfries.
At its heart, the Cambridge Food Bank is guided by a simple but powerful belief: access to nutritious food is a basic human right. Today, it serves over 5,000 people each month through a range of programs designed not only to meet immediate needs, but also to build long-term wellbeing.
One of its foundational offerings is emergency food support through the Community Pantry, which provides hampers to households facing urgent food insecurity. In recent years, there has been a surprising increase in the number of working families needing to access the food bank. “The landscape of food insecurity has changed,” comments Amy Slack, the Director of Operations at the Cambridge Food Bank, “and we need to adapt to keep up.”
Beyond this, the organization has intentionally expanded to offer “more than a food bank”—including community gardens, nutrition education, and wellness programming that foster connection, confidence, and healthier living. These wraparound supports reflect a holistic approach, recognizing that food security is closely tied to overall wellbeing.
Among its most innovative initiatives is the Mobile Food Market, a program that brings fresh, affordable produce directly into neighbourhoods, selling the food baskets at deeply affordable prices. Launched in 2021 in response to rising demand during the pandemic, the market now serves communities across Cambridge and North Dumfries, including 16 stops each week.
The Mobile Food Market operates on a simple, inclusive model: anyone can participate, with produce baskets offered at a set price and a “pay-what-you-can” option to ensure accessibility for all. By removing barriers such as cost, transportation, and stigma, the program creates a welcoming, dignified experience where neighbours support one another. In fact, those who are able to pay full price help subsidize access for others.
The impact has been remarkable. The Mobile Food Market has already provided fresh, affordable produce to thousands of people and recently celebrated the milestone of 100,000 produce baskets distributed - an encouraging sign of both community participation and growing awareness. Many of the program participants are families with young children and low-income seniors. “Several seniors have told me that because of the mobile food market, they don’t need to come to the food bank,” adds Amy.
The Kindred Charitable Fund is pleased to come alongside this meaningful work. Through a recent grant, Kindred is helping to strengthen and expand the Mobile Food Market, supporting increased access to fresh, healthy food for individuals and families across the region. This investment helps ensure the program can continue reaching more neighbourhoods, sourcing local produce, and offering flexible pricing that meets people where they are.
At Kindred, we believe in the power of community - of neighbours supporting neighbours in ways that are practical and compassionate. The Cambridge Food Bank embodies this spirit every day, creating spaces where people feel welcomed, respected, and nourished.