MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - NOV 26. 2025
A Decade of Determination: Central Food Network Launches Matching Campaign to Support Local Families
HALIBURTON COUNTY (NOV. 26) – As temperatures drop, seasonal work slows, and the holidays approach, many Haliburton County families are once again feeling the strain of rising food and heating costs. For the Central Food Network (CFN), this is the busiest year in its 10-year history — and community support is needed now more than ever.
To mark a decade of service, CFN is launching its year-end campaign with a matching gift made by a generous local supporter: all donations made before midnight on December 2nd will be doubled, up to $20,000. This support will help CFN reach its goal of raising $109,000 by the end of this year to sustain its essential food, heat and hydro programs into 2026.
Growing Needs Across the Highlands
Demand for CFN’s programs has surged over the past several years.
● By the end of 2025, CFN’s Highlands East Food Banks are projected to be supporting an average of 264 individuals each month—a 67.1% increase since 2021.
● Calls to Heat Bank Haliburton County for heat and hydro support continue to rise. By July alone, CFN had already received 322 calls, nearly 100 more calls than we received in all of 2024. Through Heat Bank, CFN provides practical, emergency support, including delivering fi rewood and other heating fuels. Help doesn’t end there. We also assist with hydro grant applications, advocacy,
and personalized support for households in crisis.
● Recognizing that access to stable income is central to food and housing security, CFN offers a free Community Volunteer Income Tax program. In 2024, volunteers fi led 341 tax returns, unlocking $881,749 in benefi ts (like the Canada Child Benefi t) that families can use to cover essential needs like food, housing and childcare.
Behind this work is a dedicated team of more than 70 volunteers and a small number of staff, all stepping into new roles and taking on additional responsibilities to meet rising community needs.
Fuelled by Neighbours Helping Neighbours
CFN receives no ongoing government funding—its programs are entirely powered by local generosity.
“When we say we are neighbours helping neighbours, that’s true across every corner of our organization,” CFN notes. “From volunteers delivering fi rewood and food hampers in mid-winter to donors helping keep the lights on, this work is only possible because our community shows up for one another.”
Every dollar donated to CFN generates $5.88 in impact through food, heat, hydro, and tax support services. In 2024, under $300,000 in cash donations transformed into over $1.7 million of impact in Haliburton County. Community donations this holiday season support us in continuing to meet the need in 2026 and beyond.
Looking Forward
“One day, we hope our services won’t be needed because every person in Haliburton County will have access to the basics they need to thrive,” says CFN. “But today, ten years into this journey, that day is still far away.”
With the matching campaign underway, there is no better time than now to donate.
Donations made before December 2nd will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact. Together, we make sure no neighbour is left hungry or cold.
Donations can be made through CanadaHelps, the CFN Website or directly through the following link. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/139681
-30- Media Contact
Tina Jackson
Central Food Network
705-464-2422 (personal cell, please do not publish)
tina@centralfoodnetwork.org