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Ross & Lindsay’s No Frills 

Ross & Lindsay’s No Frills 

Each week we’ve been introducing you to our 2024 Community Champions – the local businesses whose ongoing generosity has made a lasting impact in the fight against hunger and food waste.    This week we’re excited to feature Ross & Lindsay’s No Frills, a 2024 Community Champion! 

Since taking ownership in 2024, Ross and Lindsay Ware have made significant enhancements to the Franklin Boulevard location reflecting their strong commitment to the store and their customer base.  Throughout these changes, the store has continued to be a steadfast supporter of the Cambridge Food Bank.  Week after week, they donate a variety of fresh food including produce, bread, meat and dairy along with pantry staples helping to ensure that Cambridge and North Dumfries have access to nutritious food. 

In 2024 alone, Ross & Lindsay’s No Frills donated an impressive 25,043 lbs of food.  These donations showcase the store’s commitment to reducing food waste and ensuring good food reaches those who need it most. 

A heartfelt thank you to Ross & Lindsay’s No Frills for their ongoing partnership and dedication.  Together, we are building a more sustainable and food-secure future in Cambridge & North Dumfries. 

Zehrs Hespeler: A 2024 Community Champion

Zehrs Hespeler 

Today, the Cambridge Food Bank is proud to salute Tyler Sipos and his entire team at Zehrs Hespeler as one of our 2024 Community Champions. 

The Zehrs Hespeler crew has been a steadfast supporter of our mission, playing a vital role in combating food insecurity and reducing food waste.  Each week the store donates surplus foods like meats, produce, baked goods and nonperishable items.  In 2024 alone, their incredible donations totaled 55,988 lbs of food, helping to nourish individuals and families in our community.     

This team is always eager to lend a hand where they can, proudly supporting Cambridge Food Bank initiatives like Stuff a Van Events, and community BBQs. 

This partnership showcases how local businesses can make a meaningful difference. Tyler and his team have shown an unwavering commitment to giving back, helping to build a stronger, more food-secure community. 

Thank you, Zehrs Hespeler, for your incredible support and for being a true Community Champion! 

Foodland Ayr: A 2024 Community Champion

Foodland Ayr

Today, the spotlight turns to Foodland Ayr one of our 2024 Community Champions and proud Retail Partner! 

As a devoted ally and partner of the Cambridge Food Bank, Foodland Ayr has been steadfast in their dedication to fighting both hunger and food waste.  Each week, the local grocer donates a vast variety of great food including bread, produce, meat and non-perishable items.   

In 2024, Foodland Ayr donated an incredible 33,664 lbs of food to the Cambridge Food Bank.  It takes an incredible effort to save and sort this amount of food and the team at Foodland has shown remarkable dedication to this initiative.  At pick up time, their donations are meticulously packaged and sorted, making for an efficient pick-up process and significantly reducing sorting time for the Cambridge Food Bank at our warehouse.   

As a 2024 Community Champion, Foodland Ayr is helping us build a more sustainable and food secure future for Cambridge and North Dumfries.Thank you, Foodland Ayr, for your incredible support and for being such an important part of our efforts to combat hunger and avoid food waste.  

Mobile Food Market Basket – Snack and Meal Ideas March 24-28

Snack Ideas:

Meal/Side Dish Ideas:

Blueberry Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients:

  • Fresh blueberries
  • Plain or vanilla yogurt (can substitute with canned coconut milk mixed with a bit of sugar if yogurt is not available)
  • Optional: granola or crushed cereal for crunch

Instructions:

  1. In a glass or bowl, layer yogurt, blueberries, and granola (or cereal).
  2. Repeat layers and top with a few extra blueberries.
  3. Chill for a few minutes or eat immediately.

Tomato Snack

Ingredients:

  • Fresh tomatoes, sliced
  • Green onions, finely chopped
  • Crackers or toast (use whatever bread or cracker substitute is available)
  • Optional: sprinkle of salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Top each cracker or piece of toast with sliced tomato.
  2. Sprinkle chopped green onion over the top.
  3. Add a little salt and pepper or a drizzle of olive oil if available.

Kale & Celery Stir Fry

Ingredients:

  • Green kale, washed and chopped
  • Celery, chopped
  • Red onion, sliced
  • Oil (any kind)
  • Salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pan, heat oil and sauté red onion until soft.
  2. Add celery and cook for 3–4 minutes.
  3. Toss in kale and stir until wilted and tender.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if you have it.

Substitutions:

  • No kale? Use cabbage or spinach if on hand.
  • No vinegar? Just skip or add a squeeze of tomato juice for acidity.

Simple Fresh Tomato, Kale and Onion Pasta

Ingredients:

  • Tomatoes, diced
  • Red onion, chopped
  • Olive oil or any cooking oil
  • Salt, pepper, and any dried herbs (optional)
  • Pasta or rice

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta or rice according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, heat oil and cook red onion until softened.
  3. Add tomatoes and cook until soft and juicy, about 5 minutes.
  4. Toss tomato mixture with pasta or rice, season with salt and pepper, and top with chopped green onion if desired.

Substitutions:

  • No pasta or rice? Serve over toast or baked potatoes.
  • No herbs? The simple onion and tomato mix will still be delicious.

Follow the steps above or you can substitute with what you have at home.

Click here and follow Health Canada’s food safety guidelines when following any suggested recipes, preserving canning, or dehydrating techniques.

Food Basics Hespeler: A 2024 Community Champion

Food Basics Hespeler

We are excited to highlight one of our dedicated Retail Partners – Food Basics Hespeler – who have been selected as one of the Cambridge Food Bank’s 2024 Community Champions.  

The local grocery store at 100 Jamieson Parkway in Cambridge is dedicated to reducing food waste and supporting the community by partnering with the Cambridge Food Bank to provide nutritious food to those in need.  In 2024, the retailer, under the leadership of Store Manager Don Thomas donated over an incredible 31,277 pounds of food to the Cambridge Food Bank. 

Each week, the welcoming team at Food Basics Hespeler greets our pickup crew with warmth and enthusiasm, helping us load their generous donations of meat, baked goods, and non-perishable items. These contributions make a significant impact to our community and our environment, directing perfectly good food from the landfill and ensuring it reaches those who need it most.  

Together, Food Basics Hespeler and the Cambridge Food Bank are making a tangible difference, building a more sustainable food-secure future for Cambridge and North Dumfries.  

A heartfelt thank you to Food Basics Hespeler for your unwavering support! We are proud to designate you as one of 2024 Community Champions.  

Mobile Food Market Basket – Snack and Meal Ideas March 17-21

Snack Ideas:

Meal/Side Dish Ideas:

 Roasted Kabocha Squash Bites

A simple, nutritious snack that’s naturally sweet and caramelized.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small Kabocha squash, seeds removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the Kabocha squash cubes with oil, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until soft and golden.
  4. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if using and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Passionfruit Yogurt Parfait

A refreshing and tropical snack packed with flavour.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
  • 1 passionfruit
  • ¼ cup granola or crushed cereal (optional)
  • 1 tsp honey or sweetener (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Scoop the passionfruit pulp into a small bowl.
  2. Layer yogurt, granola, and passionfruit pulp in a glass or bowl.
  3. Drizzle with honey if desired.
  4. Enjoy as a quick and nutritious snack!

Leek & Yellow Potato Soup

A simple, comforting soup that’s budget-friendly and filling.

Ingredients:

  • 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
  • 3 yellow potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tbsp oil or butter
  • 3 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat oil or butter over medium heat.
  2. Add leeks and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are soft.
  4. Blend until smooth (or mash for a chunkier texture).
  5. Stir in milk, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Serve warm with bread or crackers.

Substitutions:

  • Use water instead of broth with extra seasoning.
  • Swap milk for coconut milk for a richer flavour.

Roasted Rainbow Carrots & Kabocha Squash

A colourful, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal.

Ingredients:

  • 3 rainbow carrots, sliced into sticks
  • ½ small Kabocha squash, cut into small wedges
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or oregano)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss carrots and Kabocha squash with oil, salt, and seasoning.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring once, until tender and golden.
  4. Serve as a side dish or toss into salads or grain bowls.

Follow the steps above or you can substitute with what you have at home.

Click here and follow Health Canada’s food safety guidelines when following any suggested recipes, preserving canning, or dehydrating techniques.