Holiday food drive underway
Atlantic Superstore in Summerside store collecting food and cash for Summerside Salvation Army
For more than 850,000 Canadians, one-third of who are children, holiday menus at Christmas dinner tables are determined by what food is available at their local food bank. In Prince Edward Island, an average of more than 3,200 people make use of their local food bank each month – and that number climbs even higher during the holiday season when there are extra demands on families’ limited resources. One of the simplest ways to help feed hungry people in the community this holiday season is during your regular grocery shop.
The Holiday Food Drive is happening now until Dec. 24 at all Atlantic Superstore, Nofrills and Your Independent Grocer locations across the province. Donations made in the food collection bins or at the checkout at all locations will directly benefit members of the local community.
The Summerside Atlantic Superstore and Kensington Your Independent Grocer are both supporting the Summerside Salvation Army. In Alberton, Your Independent Grocer will collect donations for the West Prince Caring Cupboard. Donations of healthy, nonperishable items such as peanut butter, canned meat and fish, cereal, pasta, rice, beans and other canned vegetables and fruits are ideal to contribute as they make hearty, nourishing meals.
“When you are considering what to donate to any food drive, think about the staples that you buy for yourself or your family on a regular basis,” said Angela Dawson, registered dietitian at the Summerside Atlantic Superstore.
Mike MacDonald, representing the P.E.I. Association of Food Banks, says, “The Holiday Food Drive at Atlantic Superstore is one of the key campaigns that food banks across the province rely on, not only to help see us through the holiday season, but for months to come.
“Every single donation truly makes a difference in someone’s life.”
This year, with the help of all Canadians, the goal of the Holiday Food Drive is to raise $1.8 million and 1.3 million pounds of food for food banks across Canada.