Two more wineries join food collection for Newark Neighbours

Local wineries and Newark Neighbours are partnering in a novel way to fill the food bank’s shelves at the time when they are the lowest.

Drop off a food item, and receive a complimentary tasting.

For more than 40 years, Newark Neighbours has been the only food bank serving Niagara-on-the-Lake.

And although local residents and organizations are generous with donations, this is a time of year, between Christmas and Easter when the food supply is low. 

With that in mind, Andrea Kaiser of Reif Estate Winery partnered this time last year with Newark Neighbours to boost their food donations. They called it a Taste for Hunger, and those who came to the winery could enjoy selected samplings in exchange for a non-perishable food item donation.

“It’s spring. It makes us all feel good, so let’s go out and do something good for our community,” says Kaiser.

While it was a good time of year, and a good program, to draw locals bearing gifts of food to the winery last spring, Kaiser decided this year she could do better, and sent an email blast to other local wineries to join in. 

In addition to Reif, Inniskillin, Jackson Triggs, Marynissen Estates, Palatine Hills, Peller Estates, Queenston Mile Vineyard, Ravine Vineyard, Riverview Cellars, Southbook Organic Vineyards, The Hare Wine Co., Trius Winery and Wayne Gretzky Estates signed on right away, and Kaiser was thrilled with the support and the opportunity to be even more helpful to Newark Neighbours, but this week, two more wineries have joined the food collection: Colaneri Estate Winery and De Simone Vineyards.

“I’m really happy to be able to help,” says Kaiser, adding Klaus Reif and Reif Winery have always been a generous supporter of the community especially Newark Neighbours, and was quick to climb on board with this initiative last year, “and now it’s become a community initiative.”

The food drive will help fill the shelves for now for those who come in every other week for groceries and also will provide all the ingredients for Easter dinners to those in need, says Kaiser.

Items that are in low supply are canned proteins, including meats and legumes, as well as canned vegetables. Specialty items for the holidays could be scallop potato mixes, canned pineapple and peaches. non-perishable, non-expired food donations are always welcome.

Anyone wanting to know if they qualify for help can call Newark Neighbours at 905-468-3519, or visit newarkneighbours.ca.