With Ontario Agriculture Week underway and Thanksgiving just ahead, the province's fruit and vegetable growers are marking both occasions the way they have for six years now – by backing the fight against hunger and food waste.

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association (OFVGA) is donating $25,000 to Second Harvest, Canada's largest food rescue organization. The gift keeps fresh, nutritious food flowing to Ontarians who need it most and highlights the growers' sustained commitment to addressing food insecurity in the province. It’s a fitting tie-in to Ontario Agriculture Week's celebration of the province's fresh, healthy food and the farmers who supply it.

"Supporting Second Harvest's work to fight hunger and cut down on food waste is one way growers give back, even as they keep up the demanding work of supplying healthy food to consumers here,” says Mike Chromczak, asparagus grower and chair of the OFVGA. " Many of our members already donate produce locally throughout the year, and I'm proud that this collective gift helps amplify that impact even further, especially as more Ontarians choose to buy local."

Second Harvest recovers surplus, nutritious food from across the supply chain and channels it to non-profits and community organizations in Ontario and across Canada. In 2025, the organization rescued more than 95 million pounds of good food, keeping it out of landfills and on plates in communities nationwide.

"Year after year, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association has shown up for people facing hunger, and today’s donation of $25,000 is another meaningful contribution, enabling us to provide enough food for 125,000 meals,” Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest said. “Every dollar will go straight to rescuing more food, reduce food waste and support families and communities across Ontario. We are deeply grateful for this ongoing partnership."

The OFVGA represents 3,500 fruit and vegetable farmers across Ontario and advocates on behalf of the province's horticulture sector. To learn more, visit ofvga.org, follow @OntFruitVeg on X, or find OFVGA on Facebook at facebook.com/ofvga.

Second Harvest partners with food businesses across the supply chain to redirect surplus food to non-profit organizations in every province and territory. Learn more at secondharvest.ca.

Source:  Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association October 8, 2026 news release