B-W Feed and Supply donates $500 to support Perth County food banks

At the B-W Feed and Supply mill in New Hamburg are Matt Bartlett, Margaret Whitmore, Richard Whitmore, Dave Bender and Richard Smelski. Gary West photo

By Gary West

A New Hamburg agribusiness is lending its support to efforts to address food insecurity in Perth County.

B-W Feed and Supply recently donated $500 to support local food banks through an initiative aimed at helping ensure families in need have access to essential food items this spring.

The multi-generational, locally owned company has a longstanding reputation for supporting community causes in Waterloo and Perth counties. Co-owner and president Dave Bender said the decision to contribute was an easy one when approached about helping address the growing demand facing local food banks.

Organizers Bruce Whitmore of Walton and Richard Smelski of Shakespeare have been working together to rally support from agricultural businesses across the region after learning more about the challenges facing local food banks, particularly during the spring months when supplies are often at their lowest.

Through their research, Whitmore and Smelski identified a need for approximately 2,500 boxes of cereal to help meet demand across Perth County food banks. They noted that cereal is often an essential staple for families facing affordability challenges, sometimes serving as an evening meal when budgets are tight.

They also pointed to the importance of school breakfast programs supported by local egg farmers, emphasizing the role proper nutrition plays in helping children succeed in the classroom.

Drawing on their backgrounds in agriculture, Whitmore and Smelski reached out to seed companies, farmers, fertilizer suppliers, grain elevators and grocery stores, encouraging them to contribute toward the effort.

The response from the agricultural community has been strong, with donations of both funds and cereal products totalling approximately $10,900 to date.

Funds and donations are being coordinated through House of Blessing food bank in Stratford, which will issue charitable receipts and distribute proceeds among 13 food banks serving communities across Perth County.

Whitmore and Smelski said the positive response from local agribusinesses has been encouraging and reflects a shared understanding of the need to support families experiencing food insecurity.

Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the initiative can contact Whitmore at 519-527-1491 or Smelski at 519-625-8811.