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What's in Our April Newsletter?
1. Your Impact in March
2. Food Pantry News: Valuing Choice
3. Food Pantry Wish List
4. Community Highlights & Thanks
5. How To Support Our Work
6. Upcoming Events

Hey, neighbours!
Bridges to Hope is committed to providing dignified and accessible assistance to those experiencing food insecurity. Our vision is a community where all of our neighbours have access to nutritious and culturally-appropriate food.

In this issue of our newsletter, we reflect on March at our food bank, update you on some exciting operational changes, and share some well-deserved thanks to our supporters. Keep reading to learn more.
Food Hampers

Last month, we distributed 568 food hampers reaching a total of 1333 individuals.
Children Served
In March, we served 370 children, representing almost one-third of total visits to our food bank. 
Seniors Served
Our food pantry served 118 seniors (aged 65+) in March 2025.
Overall Visits
In March, we saw a 16% increase in demand compared to the previous month, with 1333 individuals accessing our food bank, up from 1152 in February.

These numbers indicate the need for emergency food assistance is not slowing. Thank you for standing with us to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
Food Rescue
Food rescue reduces waste in the local food system by recovering food that would otherwise be discarded and redirecting it into the community.
 
Our team's food rescue efforts continued in March, with 220 pounds of good, edible food diverted from the landfill.
Informed Consent & Anonymous Visits
In January, we made changes to our intake process to promote informed consent and give clients more control over how their personal information is collected.
 
This means that when clients visit our food bank they have the option to be recorded anonymously. While they are still counted in our total number of individuals served, they do not provide demographic data.
 
In March, we recorded 196 anonymous visits.
 
Food Pantry News: Valuing Choice
Things are looking a little different around here!
 
Starting on Tuesday March 25, we introduced a small change to allow our clients more choice in the food they receive from our food bank. Instead of a standard pre-packed food hamper, folks who visit our pantry now select the items they want from a list of available options.

Data from across the country is clear: 'client choice' models of operating uphold dignity and can better respond to varying dietary needs and preferences. This change will also cut down on food waste and guide our food procurement efforts, ensuring the most effective use of our resources.
 
This is one among many steps we're taking to improve client service, uphold dignity, and improve accessibility at our food bank. We can't wait to share more!
 
April Food Pantry Wish List
Diced Tomatoes

Did you know that the red pigment in tomatoes, called lycopene, is an antioxidant? Antioxidants protect your body’s cells from damage, which helps keep you healthy.
Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is known for its protein content, but it also contains healthy fats that can help improve blood cholesterol. To boot, it’s a source of fiber at 2 g per 2 tablespoon serving!
Oats & Oatmeal

At 4 grams per ½ cup serving, oats are a high source of dietary fibre. Half of this fibre is soluble fibre, which helps create a feeling of fullness all while helping to lower blood cholesterol. 
Food donations can be dropped off at 37 Cookstown Road, Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM. Thank you for your support!
 
How to Support Bridges to Hope
Donate
Did you know that over 80% of our revenue comes in the form of donations? Your contribution enables us to purchase essential food and supplies through our trusted partner suppliers, and maintain our regular operational costs.

To donate visit our website.
Sponsor a Meal or Donate Food
You can help us provide nourishing meals to those in need by sponsoring a meal or donating food items.

To sponsor a meal,
please contact us at info@bridgestohope.ca or drop off food items Monday-Friday between 8:30 AM- - 4:00 PM.
Become a Volunteer
Your dedication and time are vital to our mission. Join our dedicated team of volunteers to help sort, pack, and distribute food to those in need.
 
To explore available volunteer positions, please head over to our volunteer page.
Host a Food Drive
Organize a food drive at your workplace, community event, or local group to collect essential goods and help stock our shelves with much needed items for our neighbours.
Host a Fundraiser

Consider organizing an event at your workplace, a community gathering, or with friends to raise funds in support of our food pantry. Your fundraiser will help us continue our mission to relieve hunger in our community.
Spread the word

Join us with our social media, sharing our impact, and raising awareness within your circles, by engaging this way you help amplify our mission.
Our main channels are Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
 
Volunteer Spotlight
Every day at Bridges to Hope, volunteers work tirelessly to deliver critical community support. Our mission would simply not be possible without this incredible team.

For the month of April, we're highlighting Claire H! Claire is one of our wonderful Prep/Inventory Helpers. On Friday afternoons, she's busy making sure our food pantry is well stocked and ready for the following week. We caught up with Claire to ask her about his volunteer involvement:

When did you start volunteering with Bridges to Hope?
I started volunteering with Bridges to Hope in September of 2024.

What is your favourite part of volunteering at Bridges to Hope?
My favourite thing about volunteering with Bridges to Hope is the feeling of helping those in need.

Tell us a fun fact about you!
A fun fact about myself is that I like to climb in my free time!
 
Thanks for being a part of our team, Claire. Your dedication to positive change in our community inspires us!
 
Community Highlights
City of St. John's
We're so excited to share we have received a $25,000 investment from the City of St. John’s to support our operations.
 
This funding is already helping us enhance choice and accessibility across all our programs, ensuring we better meet the diverse needs of our clients.

With this support, we are committed to providing nutritious and culturally appropriate food options for those we serve.
A Heartfelt Thank You from Afar
We are deeply moved by an anonymous $5,000 donation made from a kind person in Calgary, given in thanksgiving for the support Newfoundland and Labrador provided in the form of medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
This speaks volumes about the kindness that connects people across provinces.

Please join us thanking this anonymous donor for their incredible kindness and generosity!
Gap Factory
A big shout out to the staff at Gap Factory, Avalon Mall for hosting a food drive in support of our food pantry!

Your generosity is much appreciated. It is partnerships like this that help us continue our mission to provide dignified and accessible assistance to those experiencing food insecurity in our region.
 
Thank you!
 
Join Our Team! Volunteer Applications Now Open
Looking to get more involved in our community? We are currently accepting applications for a variety of volunteer roles. 
 
Both morning and afternoon shifts are available. For more information or to apply, click here. If you have any questions about volunteer opportunities at Bridges to Hope, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Emily, at emilyn@bridgestohope.ca.
 
Upcoming Events
Tax Clinic at Bridges to Hope
Thanks to the folks at CPANL, we're hosting a free tax clinic on Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00 PM!

For more information or to book an appointment:
☎️ Call (709) 722-9225 ext 226
📧 Email lesleyb@bridgestohope.ca
🌟 Or drop by during food pantry hours!
Waterford Valley Wake-a-thon
Waterford Valley High School is hosting a Wake-a-Thon on May 30, 2025, to support Bridges to Hope!

All proceeds will go toward helping us stock our shelves and continue providing essential food assistance to our community

Keep in touch with our social media for more updates on this inspiring initiative!
Join us in making a greater impact! Share our mission on social media and help us reach even more people in need.
37 Cookstown Rd, St. John's NL A1C 4G7
info@bridgestohope.ca
(709) 722-9225