Feed the Meter campaign back in Picton and Belleville supports student nutrition

Feed the Meter tradition

A long‑running December tradition has returned to the downtown cores of Belleville and Picton. The 17th annual Feed the Meter campaign has officially launched, once again turning parking meter payments into support for local students in need.

Purpose of the campaign

All money deposited into downtown parking meters in Belleville and Picton throughout December is directed to The Learning Foundation’s Food for Learning program. These funds help provide breakfast, snack, and lunch programs in schools across the surrounding communities.

Final year in Belleville

The Learning Foundation has confirmed that this will be the final year the campaign operates in Belleville, making the 2025 edition a turning point for the local initiative. Community members are being encouraged to make this last Belleville meter campaign especially meaningful while support continues in Picton and through online donations.

Quote from the board chair

“This 2025 campaign marks a bittersweet milestone: it’s the last time the Belleville parking meters will participate in this cherished tradition. The need is higher than ever due to rising food costs. We call on our community to make this final Belleville meter push, alongside continued support in Picton and online, the most impactful yet, securing thousands of meals for local students,” said Geoff Cudmore, HPE Learning Foundation board chair.

Food for Learning fast facts

More than 6,000 students on average take part in Food for Learning programs each school day in the community.
Every publicly funded school in Hastings and Prince Edward counties offers at least one Food for Learning program.
Over the last year, students received more than 1.5 million meals and snacks through these school‑based nutrition initiatives.
Each week, Food for Learning spends upwards of $30,000 on groceries to ensure that local children have reliable access to nutritious food.

Ways to donate

Along with coins placed in downtown meters in Picton and Belleville during December, donations can be made online. Supporters can contribute via the campaign website at FeedTheMeter.ca.

Author’s summary

A beloved December parking‑meter fundraiser enters its last year in Belleville, urging residents to give generously so Food for Learning can continue providing vital school meals.

Quinte News — 2025-12-01