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Bean There, Done That!

Celebrating 2025 with the Wellness Program

As 2025 comes to a close, we celebrate the journey of the Wellness Program at the Cambridge Food Bank, supported by Health Promoter Chai through the Wellness Hub, Rise & Shine, and Plant Power Mondays.

Participants explored 14 different beans, learning through hands-on experiences,soaking, simmering, blending, and baking. Each step built confidence, creativity, and connection.

Highlights from the Wellness Hub

Participants tried new and familiar plant powered meals, used recipes inspired by Canada’s Food Guide, explored budget friendly options with Ontario Beans, and built practical cooking skills with guidance from Chai.

Why It Matters

The Wellness Program was about participation, curiosity, and growth. Each question asked, recipe tried, and shared success created a welcoming space where healthy eating became accessible and empowering.

Thank you to all participants and especially Chai for making 2025 a year of learning, connection, and nourishment.

Bean There, Done That.

Explore our new wellness programs here

 

Zehrs South Cambridge 

Zehrs South Cambridge 

Today, we’re proud to turn the spotlight on Zehrs, South Cambridge one of our tremendous retail partners and 2024 Community Champions.  

The Zehrs South Cambridge team has been an essential partner in combating food insecurity and reducing food waste.  Each week, the store generously donates a variety of surplus food to the Cambridge Food Bank, providing nourishment for our community members in need of support.  In 2024, Zehrs South Cambridge donated an impressive 22,665 lbs of food to the Cambridge Food Bank. 

In addition to fighting food insecurity, Zehrs plays an important role in protecting the environment. By diverting surplus food from landfills, they are helping reduce waste and ensure that perfectly good food reaches those who can benefit from it, rather than being discarded. 

Zehrs South Cambridge is a shining example of how businesses can positively impact both the community and the environment, and we are grateful for their ongoing partnership. 

Thank you, Zehrs South Cambridge, for your unwavering support in building a food-secure, environmentally conscious community! 

Walmart Named a 2024 Cambridge Community Champion

Walmart 

We’re excited to highlight Walmart as one of our Retail Partners and 2024 Community Champions. 

As a major player in the retail world, Walmart demonstrates a commitment to the community that goes far beyond selling products—they’re a key ally in the fight against food insecurity and food waste.  Every week, Walmart donates a wide variety of food to the Cambridge Food Bank. By diverting this surplus food from the landfill, they’re not only helping reduce waste they are working to help feed individuals and families in need here in Cambridge and North Dumfries.  

In 2024, Walmart donated an impressive 15,435 lbs of food to the Cambridge Food Bank. Thanks to this ongoing support, we’re able to provide nourishment to those facing food insecurity in our community, while also doing our part to protect the environment by keeping food out of landfills. 

A huge thank you to Walmart for being such a dedicated partner in our efforts to strengthen our community’s food system! 

Sobeys Westgate – 2024 Cambridge Community Champion

Sobeys Westgate 

The Cambridge Food Bank is proud to recognize John Vandervoort, Store Manager, Karen Baillie, Assistant Store Manager, and the incredible team at Cambridge Sobeys as one of our 2024 Community Champions! 

Cambridge Sobeys has been a valued partner in the fight against food insecurity, consistently stepping up to support our community.  Their generosity is making a real difference for individuals and families in Cambridge and North Dumfries. 

Cambridge Sobeys plays a crucial role in reducing food waste by donating surplus food, including non-perishable items, meat, produce, and baked goods. In 2024 alone, they contributed an incredible 22, 665 lbs of food, ensuring more people have access to fresh, nutritious meals. 

This partnership highlights the power of businesses and community organizations working together for a greater cause. John, Karen, and their team continue to show outstanding dedication to giving back, strengthening food security in our region.  Thank you, Cambridge Sobeys, for your ongoing support and for being a true Community Champion! 

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.