HOL wins national award for food bank excellence

The House of Lazarus (HOL) Food Bank was recognized nationally. The organization was presented the Excellence in Food Banking Award by Food Banks Canada. The ceremony was held in Halifax last week. Described as the ‘little food bank that could,’ the HOL was recognized for its wide variety of outreach programs. 

Executive Director Cathy Ashby says the HOL feeds 280 families through its food bank, but touches a further 3,000 people annually through outreach. She noted even though the HOL is small, its scope for outreach is significant. 

Some of the programs HOL offers include Operation Backpack, Handyman Heroes, Crockpot Cuisine and Dinner on the House. 

Ashby says the award is really for the community, which makes the outreach programs possible through unwavering support. She noted the HOL had 175 volunteers last year and with every new program brought in, volunteers get on board to help out. Ashby says it really is neighbours helping neighbours and community supporting community. 

The HOL Food Bank serves people in South Dundas, North Dundas, South Grenville and North Grenville. For more information about available programs and upcoming events, click here.