Niagara, ON, December 9, 2022 – The first of three calls for applications to the United Way Niagara Food Support Grant were reviewed and approved by United Way’s volunteer Board of Directors earlier this month, granting a total of $425,000 to 42 food assistance programs across the region.

With the help of Greg and Diane Slaight, United Way has been able to quickly respond to the increased need for food across Niagara. The Slaight’s one-million-dollar donation will be allocated over the course of three years, providing emergency funds to organizations that address food insecurity and helping meet increased demand. The Food Support Grant funding will aid programs all across Niagara, including community meal programs, food banks, food pantries, meal delivery, and shelter meal programs.

“Decisions were tough. Requests were more than double what was available to grant,” said Frances Hallworth, CEO of United Way Niagara. “We have all seen the demand for emergency food support skyrocket in the last year. This grant will certainly help close that gap, but food programs are still in desperate need of support.”

Local philanthropists and long-time United Way supporters Greg and Diane Slaight made the special gift of one-million-dollars to offer critical support for local food programs through United Way last month. The Food Support Grant is being offered in addition to regular funding allocations by United Way and was created to address the current food security crisis. The community is urged to continue supporting agencies across Niagara with donations and food drives as they always do this time of year. The grant welcomed applications from any registered charity delivering food security initiatives in Niagara.

“Decisions were tough. Requests were more than double what was available to grant,” said Frances Hallworth, CEO of United Way Niagara. “We have all seen the demand for emergency food support skyrocket in the last year. This grant will certainly help close that gap, but food programs are still in desperate need of support.”

“On behalf of Feed Niagara, we are grateful for the boost in funds, especially at this time of year,” said Betty-Lou Souter, CEO of Community Care St. Catharines & Thorold. “We are seeing an unprecedented number of visitors every single day – with many new faces. We are all working together to provide emergency support, but we still need help from the community. Feed Niagara recognizes that by working together we have a greater impact”

“The Welland breakfast program expanded to serving vulnerable folks seven days a week due to the increase in need last year. The Food Support Grant funding we received is a blessing that will allow us to continue to serve meals and support to our vulnerable friends in Welland,” said Jim Butts, Program Coordinator at Holy Trinity Church Welland Breakfast Program. “We are very grateful.”