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Zehrs Cambridge Centre 

Zehrs Cambridge Centre 

The Cambridge Food Bank is thrilled to recognize Zehrs Cambridge Centre as one of our 2024 Community Champions! 

Zehrs Cambridge Centre has been an incredible partner in the fight against hunger, stepping up in countless ways to support our community. Whether through hosting Stuff-a-Van events or providing much-needed food donations, their generosity continues to make a meaningful impact. 

In addition, Zehrs Cambridge Centre helps reduce food waste by donating surplus food, including non-perishable items, meat, produce, and baked goods. Thanks to their dedication, a remarkable 54, 881 lbs of food was rescued and redistributed in 2024—ensuring fresh, nutritious food reaches those who need it most. 

This ongoing partnership is a testament to the power of community collaboration. Thank you, Zehrs Cambridge Centre, for your generosity, leadership, and dedication to making a difference! 

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.