Building a sustainable future . . .
Picton Food Bank Endowment Fund
In 2025, the Picton United Church Food Bank provided over 110,000 meals – and this year they are experiencing a 40% increase in visits to the food bank. This sharp and sudden increase reflects the escalating number of families and individuals dealing with food insecurity in the County.
To respond to this critical need, a new fund called the Picton Food Bank Endowment Fund has been established at The County Foundation. The Picton Food Bank is seeking to raise an initial $1 million, which will generate interest that can be used by the food bank annually to ensure shelves are stocked with meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, dried goods and other essentials.
The idea for the Fund comes from Picton Food Bank volunteer, Mark Houghton and his wife Erika, who see it as a way to help alleviate the uncertainty that comes from operating a food bank that is dependant on fluctuating community donations.
“Erika and I both experienced food insecurity in our youth and are now lucky enough to be able to give to others. We love this community and are committed to making sure everyone has access to healthy and diverse food,” says Mark Houghton.
And to ensure that the Fund gets off to a healthy start, the Picton couple have seeded it with a donation of $100,000.
