FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2026

Smitty’s Home Hardware Building Centre Expands Partnership with Local School Boards to Combat Rising Food Insecurity in Renfrew County

[Pembroke, Ontario] — 

Building on years of community support, Smitty’s Home Hardware Building Centre is announcing a new, unified partnership with the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) and the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB).

This joint community effort marks a significant expansion of Smitty’s Home Hardware’s commitment to local youth, specifically targeting the enhancement of Student Nutrition Programs (SNPs) as Renfrew County faces record levels of food insecurity. All proceeds will support the new “Ready to Learn” fund, ensuring students in both boards have access to healthy food.

To kick off this expanded initiative, the community is invited to the 3rd Annual Carnival Craze Fundraiser, hosted by Smitty’s Home Hardware Building Centre at Fellowes High School on March 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a Sensory Hour from 10:00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. 

For several years, Smitty’s Home Hardware Building Centre has been a cornerstone benefactor of the RCDSB Student Support Fund, providing essential resources to help students overcome financial barriers. This foundational relationship has now evolved into a broader mission.

"Our history with the RCDSB is something we are incredibly proud of," said Kali Caroll, Co-Owner, Smitty’s Home Hardware Building Centre. "But as we look at the growing challenges families face, we realized that hunger doesn't recognize school board boundaries. By bringing both boards to the table, we can ensure that no child in our community starts their school day on an empty stomach."

Recent data indicates that food insecurity in Renfrew County is on the rise, impacting student health, concentration, and academic success. The 2026 partnership focuses on a streamlined distribution of funds and resources to SNPs in both the public and Catholic systems.

"Home Hardware has been a vital lifeline for our students," said Kristen Niemi, Director of Education for the RCDSB. "To see this partnership evolve to include our partners at the Catholic board speaks to the spirit of the Ottawa Valley. We are stronger when we work together."

Mark Searson, Director of Education for the RCCDSB, echoed the sentiment. "We are thrilled to join this established circle of support. This collaboration ensures equity in nutrition for all students across the county, allowing us to scale our efforts and meet the rising demand for healthy food in our schools."
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About Smitty’s Home Hardware Building Centre: Helping the Ottawa Valley build, fix and finish.

About the Renfrew County District School Board: The Renfrew County District School Board provides public education to approximately 9,000 students across 21 elementary and 7 secondary schools in Renfrew County, Ontario. 

About the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board: The RCCDSB provides inclusive Catholic education to approximately 5,000 students across 18 elementary schools and 2 secondary schools in Renfrew County.