Meet the People Behind the Purpose.

At the Whitby Specialty Food Bank, our team is united by a shared passion for service. From our leadership to our volunteers, every member brings dedication, compassion, and faith to their role. Together, we make a difference every day.

Meet

The

Founding

Team

Meet The Founding Team

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    Marcia White

    Founder & CEO

    Marcia White is the visionary leader of the Whitby Specialty Food Bank, where she combines over 40 years of nursing expertise with a decade of food bank coordination to address food insecurity with compassion and innovation. Her extensive healthcare background allows her to seamlessly integrate health management and education into the food bank’s mission, offering holistic support that uplifts individuals and families in need.

    As a strong advocate for the homeless, Marcia’s impact extends beyond the food bank. She has organized and led numerous health-focused events, leveraging her skills to promote wellness and foster a sense of dignity within the community.

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    Nadine Stewart

    Vice President

    Nadine Stewart is a dynamic and strategic leader with a unique blend of entrepreneurial and corporate experience. Her expertise in sales, marketing, and account management has driven growth and created impactful solutions throughout her career. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Nadine has volunteered as an Administrative Assistant at a local food bank for over four years, deepening her connection to the community. Her role as Vice President reflects her passion for fostering long-term change by combining business expertise with hands-on service, ensuring that the Whitby Specialty Food Bank thrives in its mission to serve those in need.

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    Rhonda Brewster

    Board Member

    Rhonda Brewster brings compassion, patience, and wisdom to the food bank operations. She is an educator with an MSc in Chemistry, and her holistic approach emphasizes care for the body, mind and spirit, enriching the food bank’s mission to provide comprehensive support individual’s and families.  Her leadership ensures that the food bank remains a beacon of hope and a source of encouragement for the community.

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    Maleeha Shahid

    Community Advocacy and Board Member

    Maleeha Shahid is a dedicated community advocate with a proven track record of leadership and service. As a Whitby Town Councillor and successful entrepreneur in the real estate sector, she brings valuable insights into community-building and strategic planning. Maleeha is an active Rotary Club member and the Mayor’s designate on key local committees, demonstrating her deep commitment to fostering a thriving, connected community. At the Whitby Specialty Food Bank, she champions collaboration and advocacy, working to ensure the food bank remains a vital resource for families in need while promoting initiatives that strengthen Whitby’s future.

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    Addie Batson

    Head of Communications

    Addie Batson is a results-driven leader with extensive experience in designing and managing impactful community programs. With a background in customer success and strategic operations, Addie brings a unique perspective to their role as Program Director. They oversee initiatives that provide essential resources while fostering meaningful connections with the community. Addie’s innovative approach ensures that every program is both effective and sustainable, addressing immediate needs while building pathways for long-term success. Their dedication to creating a compassionate and thriving community aligns perfectly with the food bank’s mission to serve and uplift those in need.

Volunteers Making The Difference

Powered by Volunteer Spirit

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Be Apart of Something Bigger

Our volunteers are the backbone of everything we do:

  • 850+ hours contributed weekly to sorting, packing, and distributing food.

  • Volunteers ensure over 3,000 families receive the support they need each week.

  • Every act of service strengthens our community and shares hope with those in need.

A woman in a green Whitby Specialty Food Bank shirt stands in a room filled with bags and boxes of food donations. She is holding a colorful Disney Princess coloring book and smiling at the camera. The background shows more donated items, holiday decorations, and people working.
A woman wearing a pink face mask and glasses, in a bright green t-shirt with the logo 'Whitby Specialty Food Bank' and a Canadian flag, stands at a food bank, with boxes of food and other volunteers in the background.
Stacks of cardboard boxes and yellow bags with grocery items outdoors near a wooded area. Some boxes have labeled products such as vegan flavor burst and gummy sharks, with a sign reading 'Ephusus SDA' attached to one of the boxes.
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