Home Community Georgina Community Food Pantry hosts a farewell for Cesar Caneo

IMG_3574_web — Cesar Caneo with GCFP staff & volunteers

Georgina Community Food Pantry hosts a farewell for Cesar Caneo

September 22, 2025

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By Angie Sullivan

What more fitting way to celebrate Cesar Caneo’s years of inspirational work with the Georgina Community Food Pantry (GCFP) than a luncheon? Friends and co-workers gathered at the LINK in Sutton on Friday, Sept. 19 where Caneo’s term as the executive director was honoured with food, speeches and memories.

“After nearly 30 years in the non-profit sector—beginning as a housing co-op manager in 1995 and most recently with the GCFP—I’ve had the privilege of dedicating my professional life to supporting those most in need,” said Caneo.

“As we prepare to downsize from our home in Udora, I’m embracing this new chapter with gratitude. I’m pleased to continue contributing in a part-time advisory capacity, dedicating a few hours each week to support the Pantry and the community that means so much to me.”

During Caneo’s time leading the Georgina Food Pantry, he expanded the organization’s reach and capacity, growing staff numbers, formalizing volunteer coordination, and introducing new programs such as a breakfast program for kids, outreach to homeless residents, and a strengthened community garden.

“The food bank in itself… is not a solution. We are necessary because people need to eat, but we always need to aim to go to the root cause,” said Caneo.

Under his leadership, the Pantry secured its first-ever annual $25,000 allocation from the Town of Georgina and developed plans to expand food distribution from Sutton into Keswick.

“Cesar’s official last day in the executive director role will be Sept. 26, but we are grateful that he will continue to lend his time and expertise as needed,” said Emilee Elliot, chair of the board of directors for the Georgina Community Food Pantry.

Kathryn Sim of Willow Beach joined the GCFP as manager of operations on Aug.12, and has been transitioning into Caneo’s role.

“I am so excited to be joining the team,” said Sim.“For 30 years, I have enjoyed an incredible career in the non-profit sector, managing food banks, community gardens, and community kitchens, running volunteer programs, and supporting organizational communications (with a brief stint at a garden centre during the pandemic), which was fabulous.”

Cesar Caneo’s new role at GCFP will focus on strategic priorities like expanding food distribution into Keswick and policy development.

“With the recent management restructuring at GCFP, I saw a natural opportunity to begin slowing down and step away from my full-time role,” said Caneo. “Our children have now completed university and moved out, and I’m looking forward to spending more time in Mexico during the winters—a place where I’ve gradually restored a small home over the years.”