The Newmarket Food Pantry opened its doors in 1988, when local churches noticed that some of their congregation members were struggling to put food on the table. The churches came together to help local families in need, assisting 25 families a week. The Food Pantry was originally located in the basement of the Old Town Hall, but as the need grew, the pantry moved to a larger facility at the back of 171 Main Street in 2012.

By 2015 it was clear that we had outgrown the Main Street location and began looking for a larger space. We were averaging over 300 visits per month and quickly running out of room for the food. In 2016 we moved to a 6,000 square foot location on Gorham Street. This new location provided a larger waiting room for our clients, more space to store the food, room for our volunteers to work, as well as meeting rooms and office space for the staff and board members.

The mission of the Food Pantry is to provide three days emergency food once a month to local families in need. We offer a comfortable and respectful environment for our clients, ensuring confidentiality and compassion at a difficult time.

The Food Pantry does not receive any government funding; we rely solely on the generous support of our community through donations, food drives, and fundraising events. We have two staff members, supported by an army of volunteers who work tirelessly to sort the food, work with clients, and help with events. In addition, the Board is comprised of eight volunteers, who work hard to ensure the success of the Food Pantry.

There are numerous ways to support the Newmarket Food Pantry. Food donations can be dropped off at the pantry on Tuesday and Thursday 9:30AM to 2:30PM and on Saturday 10:30Am – 12:00PM. We also have a collection bin at the Newmarket Farmer’s Market May to October. Donations can be dropped off at local Fire Halls, as well as at Good Vibes on Main. Collection bins are also located at Freshco, Metro, Real Supercentre, No Frills and Vince’s Market. Financial donations can be securely made on the Canada Helps website. The Food Pantry is a registered charity, and is able to provide tax receipts for donations.

You can also support the Food Pantry through volunteering, supporting local fundraising events, or even hosting your own Food Drive. However you choose to support the Food Pantry we are grateful – help us nourish our neighbours and ensure that no one goes hungry in our community.