The idea for a central depot for local food banks was borne in 2000, when a collective of community members, representing a variety of local organizations, answered the call to action, when observing a sudden increase in individuals seeking food support.
Kawartha Lakes Food Source (KLFS) officially opened its doors on March 3rd, 2002. At that time, those around the organizing table agreed upon a mission of supporting those who feed our hungry. Now, twenty years later, KLFS is still doing just that, thanks to the strong foundations laid during those early years.
KLFS is the largest non-profit food distribution organization in Kawartha Lakes, operating as a hub for over 30 member organizations. Every month, thousands of pounds of food are procured, sorted, and distributed to our member food banks, social service agencies, schools, and community programs. “I am so grateful for and amazed by each and every person, business, and organization who has supported us over the last 20 years with donations, volunteering, or just generally rooting for us,” said Heather Kirby, executive director at KLFS. “This organization was created by our community, is operated by our community, and continues to serve our community.”
A year after KLFS was founded, socially conscious columnist Mike Puffer was writing for The Lindsay Post. In an article titled, Food banks are the new reality for our city, he wrote, the ultimate goal of KLFS “is to work itself out of existence”. He added, “the more understanding we have of such facilities in our community, the more people will support them. And that certainly makes things better for all of us.” Mike now sits on the KLFS Board of Directors and has been part of the 20th Anniversary Committee.
The KLFS 20th Anniversary Committee researched and wrote a historic timeline, highlighting the many community members and groups who have shaped the non-profit to be the leading local organization it is today. The 20th Anniversary Timeline is now being featured on the KLFS website.
Explore Kawartha Lakes Food Source’s historic timeline and share your KLFS connection at: www.kawarthalakesfoodsource.com/20th-anniversary.