Fort Erie tackles January hunger gap with post-holiday food boost

Brent Jones
January 22, 2026 at 4:39 AM

Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods is marking the success of its annual Post-Holiday Food Boost, an initiative aimed at helping local families navigate what the organization describes as one of the toughest financial stretches of the year.

The January program turned St. Michael’s Parish hall into a temporary “mini-supermarket,” giving Fort Erie residents the ability to choose essential food items at a time when post-holiday expenses and winter utility bills often collide.

According to Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods, hundreds of residents were supported through the effort.

“This is truly a community-powered solution,” said Theresa Murphy, president of Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods, in a news release. “Every hand involved helped ensure that no neighbour has to choose between heating their home and feeding their family this January.”

The food drive was led by Revel Realty and Safari Niagara, which coordinated the collection of thousands of donated items, while students from Greater Fort Erie Secondary School assisted with sorting and logistics.

The organization said the program was designed using feedback from its Lived Advisory Group to ensure the food selections reflected the real needs of people experiencing food insecurity.

Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods also credited St. Michael’s for providing the space and thanked volunteers and community members for their support, adding that the initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing hunger in Fort Erie during the winter months.