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What's in Our July Newsletter?
1. Your Impact in June 2026
2. Bag to School: Applications Open
3. Eco Eat Explorers Pilot Program
4. SPICE UP SUMMER: Donation Wishlist
5. Community Gives Back: East End Vet Hospital
6. Bag to School Art Contest
7. Volunteer Spotlight: Elia O.
8. Sustainers Circle
9. CommunityVotes St. John's 2026
10. Community Highlights & Other News
Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre's Impact in the community shown in this picture

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.
Food Hampers
Our food pantry recorded a total of 1,710 visits last month, supporting 1,300 unique individuals across the St. John's Metro region, and continuing to provide dignified and accessible food assistance to neighbours experiencing food insecurity.
Children Served
More than one in every three visits to our food pantry last month involved a child (aged 0–17), with children accounting for 35% of total visits.
 
Every child deserves access to nutritious food, and we're committed to helping families across our community access this vital support.
Seniors Served
Seniors (aged 60+) represented 8% of all visits to our food pantry last month, underscoring the importance of accessible food support for older adults in our community.
 
 
Applications Open for Bag to School 2026
Bag to School Program from Bridges to Hope applications open details are mentioned here- this is their Back to School program through which provides school supplies for the kids or children in St. John's Newfoundland
Applications for our Bag to School 2026 program opened on Monday, July 6. This long-standing program helps provide essential school supplies to K–12 students in the St. John's Metro region whose families are experiencing financial hardship, helping them start the school year ready to learn.
 
Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10.

Families can apply online at bridgestohope.ca or by calling (709) 722-9225. If you or someone you know anyone who has not yet applied, you still have time. Reach out to us through one of the ways mentioned below within the given time frame.

🌐 The application form is available at bridgestohope.ca
 
📞 Families may also apply by phone at (709) 722-9225 or in person during drop-n hours (Tues-Fri 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
 
✏️ This program is open to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 in the St. John's Metro area.
 
We're proud to continue this long-standing program for students in our community.
* Please note that the program has limited capacity.
 
Art Contest: Recognizing Young Talents
As part of our annual Bag to School program, we're also celebrating the creativity of the children we serve through our Children's Art Contest.
 
Since launching on June 22, we've already started receiving some wonderful artwork from talented young artists in our community. Every drawing is unique, reflecting the imagination, creativity, and dreams of the children participating in this year's program.
 
There's still time to enter! Students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 are invited to submit their artwork by July 30 for a chance to have it selected by local artist Brush Strokes with Lesley, who is generously sponsoring prizes for each category.
 
We can't wait to see even more incredible creations from our young artists in the weeks ahead. For more information, speak to our Intake Coordinator when you visit our food bank.
 
Ready! Set! Go! Eco Eat Explorers
Eco Eat Explorers program by Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre shared by Bridges to Hope
On Saturday, June 20th, Eco Eat Explorers officially launched! Participants gathered in Bridges to Hope’s courtyard and planted vegetables and herbs in their very own sub-irrigated containers, which now reside at participants’ homes for the growing season (June-September).

Once a week during the growing season, participants virtually meet with Lori, the Registered Dietitian developing and leading the pilot program, to review growing progress and challenges. Participants also learn about sustainable agriculture, the cultural importance of food, and how food affects people and planetary health through fun and interactive expeditions. Starting this Tuesday and every Tuesday until the end of August, participants will virtually cook plant-based meals with Lori.
 
Vegetables and herbs being grown by participants will be showcased in recipes, along with locally sourced ingredients, when possible. Each recipe is scaled to participants’ family size, and all ingredients are delivered to their home – at no cost to families.
 
Participants and their families can actively engage in food skills development while experiencing the amazing, fresh flavours of plant-based eating. That’s real food, real skills, and real impact!
 
To help us support our young cooks, please find the Spice Up Summer Wishlist below.
SPICE UP SUMMER: Donation Wish List
Spice up summer wishlist shared by Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre, St. John's - the program which educates and trains kids in the local kids in St. John's newfoundland to get food cooking skills
- Chili powder
- Chili flakes
- Cumin
- Chipotle powder
- Italian spice blend
- Garlic salt
- Garam masala
- Salt
- Pepper
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Basil pesto
- Curry paste
- Olive oil
 
Ingredient donations can be dropped off at 37 Cookstown Road during our regular hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM).
 
Thank you for helping us Spice Up Summer for our Eco Eat Explorers! 💚
 
Community Gives Back: East End Veterinary Hospital
Our Tap-to-Give initiative continues to grow, creating more opportunities for neighbours to support neighbours with a simple tap.
 
This month, we're grateful to East End Veterinary Hospital for their support in hosting our travelling Tap-to-Give station. Located on White Rose Drive, the locally owned clinic provides compassionate veterinary care, from wellness visits to urgent care, helping pets and their families across our community. 
 
If you're visiting the clinic, keep an eye out for our Tap-to-Give station. Every donation stays right here in our community, helping provide dignified and accessible food assistance to neighbours experiencing food insecurity.
 
P.S.: If your workplace, business, or community space is interested in hosting our travelling Tap-to-Give station, we'd love to hear from you at info@bridgestohope.ca.
 
Meet Our New Administration & Records Assistant!
We're delighted to welcome Nadine Young to the Bridges to Hope staff team as our Administration & Records Assistant.
 
After returning to school to build on her skills and qualifications, Nadine recently completed the first year of the Strategic Human Resource Management program at the College of the North Atlantic. Through volunteering with local organizations, she discovered how rewarding work in the nonprofit sector can be and was inspired to pursue a career where she could make a positive impact in the community.
 
Since joining Bridges to Hope, Nadine has already felt right at home. Here's what she had to say: "I'm happy to be part of the team and grateful for the warm welcome everyone has already given me."
 
Not sure if we're open? Looking for a tax receipt? Wondering if you can donate that obscure item in the back of your cupboard? Nadine is your girl! You can reach her at (709) 722-9225, or by email at info@bridgestohope.ca.
 
We're thrilled to have Nadine on our team and look forward to the positive impact she'll make as we continue supporting our neighbours.
 
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteers are at the core of everything we do at Bridges to Hope. Each month, we have the pleasure of recognizing one of the incredible individuals who help make our work possible. This month, we're proud to highlight Elia O!

Elia first joined Bridges to Hope as a practicum student, and after completing his placement last week, chose to continue volunteering with us. From helping with donation pick up, food deliveries, and stocking shelves, to portioning food, packing hampers, and welcoming our neighbours at the intake desk, Elia has become a valued part of our pantry team, always ready to lend a hand wherever it's needed. We caught up with Elia to learn more about his volunteer experience:
 
When did you start volunteering with Bridges to Hope?
I started volunteering with Bridges to Hope on May 4, 2026.
 
What is your favourite part of volunteering at Bridges to Hope?
My favourite thing about volunteering with Bridges to Hope is having the opportunity to support people in the community.

I enjoy welcoming clients, helping them access food support, and being part of a team that makes a positive difference in people’s lives. It has also been a great learning experience for me.
 
Tell us a fun fact about you!
 
A fun fact about me is that I love exploring new places, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures.
 
Thanks for being a part of our team, Elia. People like you make our community stronger!
 
Bag to School 2026: Behind-the-Scenes Spotlight
Bag to School 2026 is off to a busy start!
 
On the very first day of the program, we received more than 500 applications.
 
Behind every application is a child preparing for a new school year and a family hoping to give them the best possible start. As applications continue to come in this week, our dedicated Bag to School Coordinators Evelyn & Alicia have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, answering phone calls, responding to inquiries, and guiding families through the application process with care.
 
Thank you, Evelyn and Alicia, for the kindness you bring to this role. Your work is helping ensure every family feels welcomed and supported from the very first conversation.
 
CommunityVotes 2026: VOTE FOR US!
We're honoured to be nominated in the CommunityVotes St. John's 2026 awards under the Community Organization category. If you'd like to support our mission and the work of our dedicated volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners, we'd be grateful for your vote.
 
You can cast one vote per registered email address in the Community Organization category. Head to Services --> Community Organization to vote for us.
Click here to vote!
 
We want your reusable bags!
 
We are currently in need of clean, gently used cloth bags to help pack grocery orders in our food pantry.
 
These bags play an important role in ensuring food is distributed safely and efficiently to our neighbours.

Bags can be dropped off at 37 Cookstown Road, Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
 
 
 
Want to Support a Neighbour Every Month?
Join Our Sustainers Circle
Our Sustainers' Circle is a special group of monthly donors who help provide reliable support for our food pantry and community programs throughout the year.

Their ongoing generosity helps ensure we can respond to immediate needs while continuing to build a stronger, more food-secure community.
Join the Sustainers Circle
 
 
Community Highlights
Public Service Commission
As part of this year's Public Service Week celebrations (June 15 - 19), the Public Service Commission team came together to host a food drive in support of our food pantry!

A big thanks to everyone who participated in this meaningful initiative.
 
Your support will help us continue to serve hundreds of community members experiencing food insecurity.
Mary Queen of Peace Elementary
What a wonderful way to wrap up the school year!

We are so grateful to the students, staff, and school community at Mary Queen of Peace Elementary for hosting a food drive in support of our pantry.
 
Together, they collected 328 pounds of food, valued at approximately $1,193.
 
It's so inspiring to see young people coming together to help others. 
Thank you, and we hope you have a great summer!
Nova Yoga
Our heartfelt thanks to Nova Yoga Studio on Long's Hill for hosting our travelling Tap-to-Donate kiosk throughout June. As the first community partner to embrace this initiative, Nova Yoga helped make its launch a success, collecting monetary donations as well as food items in support of our food pantry.
 
We're grateful to everyone at Nova Yoga and to those who stopped by to give, helping strengthen a community that cares for one another.
 
Other Updates
Annual Report 2025
We’re pleased to share that our 2025 Annual Report is now available!
 
Take a moment to explore the impact we’ve made together and the milestones we reached over the past year.
 
You can view the full report at bridgestohope.ca/newsletter.
Coming Up: Food Drive by Local Student Hamzah A.
Local high school student Hamzah A. is organizing a food drive in support of our food pantry, with donations being accepted at Bridges to Hope from July 13-17.
We're inspired by Hamzah's initiative and invite you to join us in supporting it.
 
Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide dignified and accessible food assistance to neighbours in our community.
Ongoing: Brush Strokes with Lesley - Food Drive
Our friends at Brush Strokes with Lesley are currently hosting a food drive at their studio in support of Bridges to Hope, collecting some of the most-needed items for our food pantry.
 
We’re grateful for their thoughtful support and care for our neighbours.
Ongoing: Colemans, Merrymeeting Road - Food Drive
A heartfelt thank you to Colemans on Merrymeeting Road for their continued support of Bridges to Hope through their in-store food donation box. This ongoing partnership makes it easy for shoppers to give back while picking up their own groceries.

If you're visiting Colemans, we invite you to consider dropping a non-perishable food item into the donation box.
Ongoing: Happy City St. John's - Food Drives
Happy City St. John's is hosting Councillor Town Halls across the city this spring and summer, with food drives at each event in support of our food pantry.
 
If you’re attending and would like to donate, we invite you to bring along a non-perishable food item!
 
Contact Happy City St. John's for more info.
 
 
Join us in making a greater impact! Share our mission on social media and help us reach even more of our neighbours experiencing food insecurity.
 
PS: If this email landed in your spam or promotions folder, please move it to your inbox or add us to your safe sender list so you don't miss future updates.
37 Cookstown Rd, St. John's NL A1C 4G7
info@bridgestohope.ca
(709) 722-9225
Charitable Reg. No. 859148009RR0001