Niagara-on-the-Lake chef Ryan Crawford is once again donating 25 per cent of the proceeds of Ruffino’s holiday gift cards to Newark Neighbours to help food-insecure families.

Last year he raised $5,000 for the charity and this year he’s hoping he can double the amount.

Crawford said he believes food security should be a basic human right.

“Access to healthy, delicious, nutritious food is a right for everyone. But with rising food costs it’s unattainable for almost nine per cent of Canadians. Food insecurity is a problem,” he said.

“We have broken social networks that need to be fixed. Basic necessities of life should be available to all. We feel we have an obligation to help provide this to everyone. Even this Sunday we’re headed to St. Catharines to help serve over 150 meals to the homeless with Out of the Cold,” Crawford said.

“Food brings us together, gives us warmth and we want everyone to enjoy healthy nutritious food this holiday season.”