Donate Food

Help us fill our shelves

Kawartha Lakes Food Source receives no regular funding from any level of government, although it has received one-time grants on occasion.

Since KLFS is the only non-profit food distribution centre in our region, donations of food and household essentials are greatly needed to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of those struggling to make ends meet.

 
 

  • Canned veggies, fruit, meat, fish, baked beans

    Peanut butter and jam

    Canned or boxed soups and stews

    Pancake mix and syrup

    Boxed mac and cheese

    Condiments

    Dry pasta and pasta sauce

    Rice

  • Milk

    Eggs

    Cheese

    Vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes)

    Fruit (apples, bananas, oranges)

    Ground beef

    Butter or margarine

    Baking supplies

  • Toilet paper

    Dish soap

    Laundry soap

    Paper towel

    Kleenex

    All purpose cleaners

    Shampoo

    Toothpaste

    Tampons and pads

    Deodorant

Where to Donate Food

KLFS Donation Bins

Use the map below to find their locations in Lindsay:

*Barrels also rotate into other businesses as they host food-drives and fundraisers on our behalf. Keep your eye on KLFS’ social media for these pop-up collections.

 

PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS MUST BE DROPPED OFF IN PERSON

164 Needham St, Lindsay ON
Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

Kawartha Lakes Food Source distribution centre is equipped with fridges and freezers, allowing us to accept perishable donations on site.

If you are considering donating perishable items, please ensure that they are brought to the distribution centre rather than being left in donation barrels. When left in donation barrels they too often are squished or are not kept at a safe temperature and therefore cannot be used.

Looking for a more active opportunity to contribute?

Consider holding your own event! Click below for templates, sample posters and a step-by-step guide on how to plan and execute a food drive, fundraiser, or other community event:

Or check out our Giving Guides for other ways to help KLFS!

Our Corporate Giving Guide is an insightful description of the various ways a corporation or organization can meet their business goals by supporting KLFS. The guide explains the process of becoming a retail partner for our social enterprise salsa, becoming a signature event sponsor, organizing a business fundraiser, and payroll giving.

Our Individual Giving Guide is an in-depth description of the multiple ways an individual can donate in support of KLFS. The guide explains the importance of donating and the opportunities their donations provide to individuals and families in need of food assistance. The ways of donating include payroll giving, giving insurance, estate giving, giving stocks, etc.

Donation Etiquette

Donation Etiquette graphic showing the best practices for donating. Food donations should be either from a store or an abattoir with a number. Donations should not include anything that was preserved, canning or pickled at home or ungraded eggs. Don…

*If you’re looking to donate clothing or toys, we would prefer to see these items donated to the many thrift stores in town.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions about how or what to donate.

Food Donation FAQs

  • There really is no right answer to this question. We ask that you donate whichever way is most meaningful and accessible for you.

  • We rely heavily on our community to donate food at food drives and through other means such as workplace challenges or food received in lieu of gifts on special occasions.

    We also obtain food via a process known as reclamation from a company that picks up unsold food from grocery stores. While this food is free, KLFS must pay to have it transported to Lindsay from Toronto.

  • Tax receipts can be issued if proof of market value is provided by the donor upon making the donation.

    Market value must be a minimum of $20 to qualify for a tax receipt.

  • If you are looking for your donation to go exclusively to one of our 10 member food banks your donation will need to be made directly to them.

    Please visit our “Find A Food Bank” page under “Need Help?” for full directory of food banks across the Kawartha Lakes, along with their contact information.

  • We recognize our donors in our bi-monthly newsletter, “The Source”. Occasionally, we also post about our donors on our social media and website.

    If you do not wish to be recognized publicly, please let us know upon making your donation.