Aurora Food Pantry relocating to Mary Street in move increasing accessibility

The New Year will bring significant changes to the Aurora Food Pantry as they move from their long-time home on Industrial Parkway South to new digs close to Wellington Street.

The Pantry will begin the process of moving to 16 Mary Street (Units 5 & 6) in early 2026 and will see the service shuttered between January 26 and January 30 to facilitate the transition.

The new space, they say, will offer them the chance to maintain current service levels while also enhancing the visitor experience.

Given Mary Street's proximity to Wellington Street East, the new location will also be significantly more accessible by transit.

Donations can be dropped off at the new location beginning on January 19.

“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter,” said Aurora Food Pantry Executive Director Sandra Seepaul. “With new beginnings come new possibilities, and this move will allow us to create a warm, dignified space where our community members can access the support they need.

The new home of the Aurora Food Pantry will boast 6,500 square feet of space, allowing for an enhanced user experience and will be open Tuesdays from 9 – 11.30 a.m., Thursdays from 5.30 – 7 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Appointments can also be booked at aurorafoodpantry.ca or by calling 905-841-1577.

“From its humble beginnings in the basement of a local church in 1990, the Aurora Food Pantry has grown into a vital community resource, serving over 400 families each month,” said the Food Pantry in a statement. “In September 2025 alone, the Pantry supported 437 families, representing 1,309 individuals. Food bank usage continues to rise across Ontario with more than one million Ontarians relying on food banks in 2024. Locally, the Aurora Food Pantry experienced a 27 per cent increase in usage between 2023 and 2024, and overall demand has doubled since April 2022.

“As with any relocation, there are additional expenses associated with the renovations and updates required to accommodate the Pantry's programs and the changing needs of its clients. The Aurora Food Pantry operates entirely through the generosity of public donations and community partnerships. With rising costs for rent, utilities, and the upcoming move, the Pantry is encouraging residents and local businesses to consider becoming donors to help offset these expenses and sustain ongoing operations.

“With Giving Tuesday on December 2, this is a meaningful opportunity to support the Aurora Food Pantry at a time when community help is needed most. Community support remains essential to ensuring that no one in Aurora goes hungry.”

The Aurora Food Pantry has been located at 350 Industrial Parkway South for the last 15 years, in a space shared until recently with the York Region Food Network, Hope House Hospice, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Peel York (BBBSPY).

While BBBSPY remains in place, the York Region Food Network recently moved to Newmarket, while Hope House Hospice has relocated to Yonge Street, just south of Church Street.

“The Aurora Food Pantry extends heartfelt thanks to Irvine Generations, who generously provided affordable space at 350 Industrial Parkway South and supported the organization throughout its growth over the past 15 years,” said the Pantry of the former Aurora Cable building.

For more information on the Aurora Food Pantry, including its services and current needs, visit aurorafoodpantry.ca.

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter