Page 3 - Oct 7, 2025

Our Speakers: Welcome, Melanie Correia and Joe Solway for Feed The Need

Dave Andrews introduced Melanie & Joe. Melanie is the Director of Development and Communications with over two decades of proven success in brand growth using innovative strategies. Her current focus is food insecurity. Experience and passion help her to create meaningful partnerships to support communities and people facing access food challenges. Joe Solway is a familiar Rotarian working out of the Bowmanville club. He is Zone 28’s Assistant Rotary Director-Public Image. Joe is an active organizer at both the club and district levels. He is best known as the producer of A Concert to Feed the Need which supports food banks and shelters across the Durham region.

Feed the Need – The Numbers

Melanie started by sharing the increase in the numbers of people who frequent food banks and pantries in our area. Since 2023 the numbers of people visiting has stayed stable, but these same folks are accessing food banks and meal programs more frequently Total visits went from 702,839 in 2023-24 to almost 900,000 in 2024-25. They project that 2025-26 will be closer to 1 million.

Feed the Need – Current Successes & Future Projects

One success story is the creation of The Market Food Bank. The Market is a grocery-store experience where clients shop just. Like they would at a retail store. Currently there are two Markets-one in Oshawa and one in Whitby.  Another success is a partnership with Mighty Harvest. These are vertical growth farms that provide fresh veggies year-round. In 2025 Feed the Need added a collaboration with the Four Farms Collective, and plans are moving forward to create Grower Modular Farms – climate resistant year-round container farming.

 

CONCERT FOR FEED THE NEED:

Save the date- December 7th - 2 pm The Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa
 
 
Although Joe claimed to have ‘stolen’ the concert idea from CBC Sounds of the Season, the Concert to Feed the Need stands alone as the premier fundraiser for Durham Region food banks. From humble beginnings 8 years ago at the Bowmanville high school, to a live a concert at the Biltmore Theatre, this is a fun-filled experience for everyone. This year we will see six acts including a Wilmot Creek connection, The Acoustic Boulevard.
 
Joe shared that this concert raises about $30,000 each year. Tickets are $30/person.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Check Presentation

Our club pledged $2000 to sponsor the concert and, after President Dave thanked our speakers, Al Finnigan presented the check to Melanie and Joe.

 

President Dave M. rang the Rotary bell at 8:13 pm to close our meeting.                                       

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, YOU CAN MAKE UP: Go online at www.rotary.org go to the club locator and find a club or clubs near your destination. Or you can add the free App Rotary Club Locator to your phone for instant look up of any club in the world. Please mail or fax your make-ups to Executive Secretary Dave Andrews or give your make-up card to the attendance/registration officer at the next club meeting.