A community food rescue program in Sault Ste. Marie recently distributed 561 pounds of food to local residents in need, highlighting ongoing efforts to address rising food insecurity in the region.
The food, collected from Harvest Algoma and The Water Tower Inn, was distributed by Save Our Young Adults, a non-profit organization founded more than 13 years ago by Connie Raynor-Elliott. The distribution is part of a series of weekly efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable community members.
Local data indicates that one in four households in the Algoma District experiences food insecurity, a rate higher than the provincial average. The pressure on local resources has grown significantly, with the downtown food bank St. Vincent Place reporting an 85 per cent increase in demand during early 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Harvest Algoma, now led by executive director David Thompson, plays a central role in these rescue efforts. In 2025 alone, the organization rescued and distributed 493,300 pounds of food to 59 agencies across the district. The organization relies on a team of 20 to 30 active volunteers to manage regular food preparation and shelf stocking.
For residents looking to access support, Save Our Young Adults operates from its depot at 179 Gore Street and is open Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers are currently seeking additional volunteers to assist with the ongoing distribution program.
