FBC Accreditation
Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold Achieves National Accreditation Through Food Banks Canada’s Standard of Excellence Program
Over the past two years, Community Care’s Board of Directors, leadership team, and staff undertook an involved and highly detailed organization-wide process. This reflected the size of the agency and the magnitude of services it provides, to meet the highest national standards for food bank accreditation. While strong structures and systems were already in place, increased volumes of need and evolving food security requirements made the path to accreditation challenging, enlightening and rewarding, ultimately strengthening the organization’s practices and service delivery.
This comprehensive effort ensured that all aspects of governance, food handling, operations, and client service meet rigorous standards of professionalism, accountability, and legislative compliance. The achievement reflects the dedication and leadership of Community Care’s team, who work each day to ensure neighbours across St. Catharines and Thorold receive food that is safely handled, stored, and distributed with dignity and respect.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to the Board, staff, and volunteers of Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold on achieving accreditation through Food Banks Canada’s Standards of Excellence,” said St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. “This accomplishment reflects a deep commitment to accountability, professionalism, and compassionate service, and reinforces Community Care’s vital role in supporting our most vulnerable residents.”
“Achieving this accreditation is a significant milestone for Community Care,” said Betty-Lou Souter, CEO, Community Care St. Catharines & Thorold. “It reflects strong governance and the dedication of staff and volunteers who serve our clients with dignity and purpose. For community partners and supporters, it provides assurance that their trust and generosity are being stewarded responsibly as we respond to growing needs.”
About Food Banks Canada and the Standards of Excellence
Food Banks Canada provides strategic leadership to food banks across the country, working collaboratively to relieve and prevent hunger and address the root causes of food insecurity. The Standards of Excellence provide a national framework for strong client service, responsible food operations, and safe food handling, reinforcing accountability and continuous improvement.
This accreditation strengthens Community Care’s role in building a more resilient and effective food banking system and advancing toward a Canada where no one goes hungry.
For information or to book interviews:
Betty-Lou Souter, CEO
bettylou@communitycarestca.ca | 905-685-1349 ext. 231
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does this accreditation mean for the future of Community Care St. Catharines & Thorold?
FBC accreditation will help our organization and the entire food bank network thrive. Through this process, we have the opportunity to:
- Advance to an even stronger and more agile food banking system to deliver the best service to our neighbours in need.
- Activate shared learning to increase innovation across the network.
- Amplify the collective impact of the network on Canada’s food insecurity.
What is the purpose of the Accreditation?
These standards are designed as a baseline set of guidelines to which we, and the rest of the food banking network are accountable. They will be used to benchmark future performance improvements in client service, food operations, safe food handling, and more. They reflect the food banking network’s thought leadership and commitment to continually enhance our collective capabilities to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow.
What was the process to become accredited?
To achieve this level of accreditation there was a lengthy documentation and analysis of procedural process involving input and participation from all levels of the organization including the Board of Directors, leadership team, staff and volunteers, over a nearly two year period.
