Manufacturing company donates $50K to support five Ont. food banks

A Canadian manufacturer and building products distributing company, Buchner Manufacturing Inc., headquartered in the Toronto-area of Newmarket is donating thousands of dollars to food banks across Ontario – including to North Bay.

The company said it wanted to help in addressing food insecurity challenges where it was needed the most.

Donations being sorted at the North Bay Food Bank on January 3, 2024. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)

As a result, 2025 is already off to a positive start for the North Bay Food Bank.

Executive Director Debbie Marson told CTV News that coming off the holiday rush, the food bank is sorting through its Christmas donations.

“We're status quo, right because we're a monthly hamper and provision service, we need to sustain the levels that we hand out every day all year long,” she said.

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The North Bay non-profit received $10,000 from Buchner Manufacturing as part its food bank donation campaign.

Donations being sorted at the North Bay Food Bank on January 3, 2024. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)

“At the end of 2024, we were over 4,800 households served. That equated to 6,100 adults and over 2,600 children,” said Marson.

“So again, Buchner Manufacturing, thank you so much for this. We need to sustain this week to week, month to month. We need those donations to continue all year long.”

Buchner made its single biggest donation in its history – donating $50,000 that is being distributed equally among food banks in the communities surrounding its branches; including North Bay, Pefferlaw, Newmarket, Kingston and Owen Sound.

Buchner Manufacturing Inc. donated $50,000 to five food banks accross Ontario -- including North Bay, Pefferlaw, Newmarket, Kingston and Owen Sound. (Supplied/Buchner Manufacturing Inc.)

“We wanted to support the communities that support us,” said Jeremy Buchner, the company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

“Food banks are something near and dear to my family's heart and People are really struggling. Coming from, you know, the current climate that we're in, we were really sensing a need for that type of donation.”

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For years, the manufacturer has supported hospitals, local sports teams and organized food drives to collect non-perishable items and other essential supplies at their branches.

In a news release, company president John Buchner said the initiative underscores the business’ dedication to addressing food insecurity and making a meaningful impact where it’s needed most.

“Our company has deep roots in these communities, and we’re honored to support the vital work of local food banks,” said John Buchner.

“This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to giving back and helping those who need it most.”

The company is challenging other companies to make donations to food banks as well.