Eight core programs operate through The Table Perth
PERTH — The Table Community Food Centre continues to expand its role as both a food provider and community hub, executive director Rob Rainer told Perth’s committee of the whole on March 10.
Founded in 1998 as the Perth and District Food Bank, the organization evolved into a community food centre in 2012 and is now one of 18 in Canada supported by Right to Food. The model focuses not only on emergency food access, but also on building food skills, strengthening community connections and advocating for policies that address poverty.
Rainer said food insecurity remains a serious issue, with about one in four households affected annually, according to Public Health Ontario.
The Table operates eight core programs, anchored by its food bank. It also hosts community meals three times a week, drawing about 90 to 110 people each evening. In Smiths Falls, the Falls Food Hub currently provides a free weekly lunch for roughly 100 to 120 people and is expected to expand programming once a renovated permanent location opens.
Additional initiatives include a community garden at Last Duel Park, children and youth cooking and gardening programs, adult community kitchen sessions and the Fresh Food Box program, which distributes fresh local produce twice a month.
“Our mission is to foster a healthier and more connected community by increasing access to healthy food, improving food skills and food literacy, and advocating for social policies that address food insecurity and poverty,” Rainer said.
The organization also offers practical support through advocacy and navigation services, helping participants access government benefits, replace identification or file income taxes so they can receive eligible credits. A drop-in tax clinic runs each year for several weeks, while a social program called “The Buzz” provides opportunities for participants to gather and connect.
The Table employs 16 staff members, 14 in Perth and two in Smiths Falls, and relies on more than 150 volunteers.
Annual revenue has grown from about $569,000 a decade ago to roughly $1.2 million today, though Rainer said the organization ideally needs closer to $1.5 million to fully meet demand.
Funding comes from a mix of individual donors, local businesses, faith groups, foundations and municipalities, including Perth, Smiths Falls, Tay Valley Township and Drummond/North Elmsley. National partners also provide support, including about $200,000 annually from Right to Food and additional grants through Food Banks Canada.
Mayor Judy Brown praised the organization’s work following the presentation.
“This is such a fantastic organization. Not only do you give food to people, but you teach people how to cook and provide initiatives like that,” Brown said. “And you have a fantastic staff.”
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