Drop-in at Bridge providing food to those in need, thanks to Trillium grant

Drop-in at The Bridge in downtown Kincardine has seen some remarkable achievements already this year, thanks to an $88,200 seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Executive director Wes Larson said the first two weeks of January saw 700 pounds of frozen food rescued from No Frills, directly benefiting local families; 130 meals prepared from the food rescue program, made available for families to take home; and 80 volunteer hours contributed by the food store and cooking teams.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of the Ontario government and the Trillium Foundation, building on Drop-in at The Bridge's commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing vital resources to those in need,” said Larson.

Friday afternoon, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson visited Drop-in at The Bridge to learn more about the result of that Trillium funding.

The one-year grant has been instrumental in opening a free food store to support families facing food insecurity, establishing a food rescue program in partnership with a local grocery store, and offering free cooking classes for these families. This initiative aims to provide vital resources and support for families navigating food insecurity challenges.

"I appreciate the incredible work being done here with the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant," said Thompson. "Drop-in at The Bridge is empowering families with the skills and resources to build healthier, more sustainable lives, while also creating a sense of belonging and community. I am proud to support such a compassionate and impactful project in Huron-Bruce."

Drop-in at The Bridge has established a free store on its premises to provide families experiencing food insecurity, access to meat, dairy, and fresh produce twice a week. Thanks to the grant, a part-time cook has been hired to prepare frozen meals and blanched vegetables, ensuring the store’s freezers are well-stocked.

Additionally, a teaching cook has been brought onboard to collaborate with local agencies in offering cooking lessons. These lessons focus on creating inexpensive, nourishing, and easy-to-prepare meals that are also fun to make. Beyond providing food, the initiative fosters a sense of community, promoting wellness and connection among families.


Drop-in at The Bridge is a charitable organization reaching out to the lost, vulnerable, isolated, lonely, and poor. It is a community that seeks to be welcoming to all, while empowering at its core, people who are often isolated — those experiencing poverty of spirit and/or space. Community members of all backgrounds and abilities run drop-in programs. It believes in coming as it is, creating a space where everyone is safe to ask hard questions, encourage each other, share meals, and celebrate.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, the foundation invested more than $110-million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to gather and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.



Drop-in at The Bridge volunteers (standing) gather for a photo with Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson (seated, left), executive director Wes Larson and Kincardine councillor Beth Blackwell; photos courtesy of Wes Larson



Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson (left) visits Drop-in at The Bridge, to officially present the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $88,200, to executive director Wes Larson, Jessica Dykeman of No Frills, and Kincardine councillor Beth Blackwell