About the Food Pantry

The Lanark Highlands Food Pantry is a volunteer run, community based initiative, addressing food insecurity for the village of Lanark and surrounding areas.

History

Originally established during the ice-storm of 1998 by the Lanark & District Ministerial Association to provide food for those without electricity, The Lanark Highlands Food Pantry & Thrift Store is governed today by a Board of Directors representative of the community. A member of Feed Ontario / Food Banks Canada, we operate as a Registered Charity (#86925974747RR0001)

Both the Food Pantry and Thrift Store are staffed by volunteers, who receive, purchase, unpack and store food items and then fill food hampers for clients at the Food Pantry; and receive, clean, and price for resale gently used clothing and other household items at our Thrift Store. Proceeds from the Thrift Store help fund further food purchases.

Objectives and Areas Served

Map of our Service Area

Map showing our approximate Service Area.

The Food Pantry was initially established “…to operate and maintain a Food Bank for the distribution of food and sundries to needy persons & families…” located in the area bounded by White Lake, Flower Station, Ompah, Sharbot Lake, and Hwy 511 at Hwy 7.

We currently support approximately 100 families per month. Most of our clients are working poor, although we have seen a rise in senior and single parent families.

Sources of Food

Almost all of our food is purchased with funds contributed from the profits of the Thrift Store, from private donations, and through occasional gifts from the Lanark Highlands Volunteer Fire Dept., Lanark Ministerial Association, and others.

Much of our food is purchased locally, and we wish to thank Foodsmiths in Perth, The Butchers Edge in Perth, and Giant Tiger for their generous ongoing support.

Please support our local merchants!

Logos: Foodsmiths, The Butchers Edge, Giant Tiger

 

We also receive financial support and non-perishable donations from Feed Ontario | Food Banks Canada.

Logos: Feed Ontario, Food Banks Canada

Donations

Donation Bin at 49A George St.Donations of non-perishable food items, gently used clothing, and miscellaneous household items can be dropped off at either the Food Pantry or Thrift Store during regular operational hours. Also look for our purple reception bin located at 49A George St. for after-hours donations.
Please Note: at this time we cannot accept furniture due to space limitations. Please do not leave these items with us as we are then obliged to take them to the dump, which incurs a cost to us. Thank you for your understanding.

We also gratefully accept financial donations either via our website using a credit or debit card, or Cash or Cheques can be dropped off at either location. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations on request.

Suggested Donation Items

We are always in need of the following items:

  • Canned Goods
    • Meat or Fish
    • Beans
    • Soups and Stews
    • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Pasta (canned or dry)
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Peanut Butter
  • Dairy (canned or powdered)
  • Infant food and baby formula
  • Cereal
  • Oatmeal
  • Juice (bottled, canned,
    individual serving)
  • Crackers
  • Rice
  • Granola Bars
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Bathroom Tissue & diapers
  • Personal Hygiene
    products