The second annual food drive, launched by Reif Estate Winery in collaboration with Newark Neighbours in 2019, is expanding its reach this year by having 12 additional wineries participate in the initiative.

The wineries involved in the Taste for Hunger food drive now include Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery, Marynissen Estates Winery, Palatine Hills Estate Winery, Queenston Mile Vineyard, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, Inniskillin Wines, Reif Estate Winery, Southbook Organic Vineyards, Riverview Cellars Estate Winery, The Hare Wine Co., Peller Estates Winery, Trius Winery and Wayne Gretzky Estates.

Throughout March, residents can stop by the participating wineries with a non-perishable food donation and enjoy a complimentary tasting of select wines.

“I am so excited to have more wineries join this local food drive and expand our reach into the community,” Andrea Kaiser, director of marketing at Reif Estate Winery, said in a statement.

It was Kaiser who came up with the idea of organizing a food drive for Newark Neighbours in 2019.

“With Easter just around the corner, the timing could not be better. The food bank aims to provide a supply of two weeks-worth of groceries and all the ingredients to ensure local families have access to a holiday dinner,” she said.

Usually, donations start to slow down once the winter holidays are over and that is why the food drive runs in March.

“The news of 12 additional wineries participating in raising food for our community in need, comes at a very good time,” Newark Neighbours volunteer Jayme Swanwick said in a statement.

“We rely heavily each year on the Niagara-on-the-Lake Santa Claus Parade food drive to keep our shelves stocked, however, because of the inclement weather this year donations were much lower than anticipated.”

“I am so thrilled to hear of the tremendous generosity of our local wineries and I am continually amazed at the care and compassion of our community.”