Holiday Food Drive supports area food banks
Donations at the Amherst Atlantic Superstore will help to meet soaring demand
After a year of tremendous economic uncertainty, it’s no surprise that, unfortunately, a record number of people are turning to their local food bank to feed themselves and their families. In fact, across Nova Scotia, food bank use has increased 27 per cent just since last year, and more than 210,000 Nova Scotians are currently food insecure.
As demand reaches an alltime high, it has never been more urgent for food banks to keep their shelves well-stocked and fridges full. During the holiday season especially, more and more individuals and families are having to make tough choices, like putting food on the table or gifts under the tree. That’s why Atlantic Superstore is once again running the annual Holiday Food Drive in Amherst, Oxford and across Nova Scotia from now to Dec. 24.
In Amherst, donations made at Atlantic Superstore on South Albion Street will go directly to the Amherst Food Assistance Network. In Oxford, Scott’s Your Independent Grocer will support the Oxford & Area Food Bank Association. Wherever you donate, your contribution will make a difference to hungry people in your immediate area.
Kelly Currie is the fund development manager with Feed Nova Scotia, which collects and distributes food and funds to 140 member agencies in all parts of the province.
“We hear from lots of folks who benefit from the kindness of Atlantic Superstore’s customers and colleagues over the holidays and throughout the year,” said Currie. “We know Christmas dinner and holiday gatherings are about more than just eating. They are about connection, culture and community. Thank you for helping Nova Scotians embrace the comfort of the season.”
Most-needed items for food drive donations include grains such as cereal, rice, pasta, oats, granola bars; proteins, including canned fish, beans, peanut butter; canned fruit and vegetables (choose no sugar added fruit and no- or lowsalt vegetables for healthier options); pantry staples like hearty soups, pasta, vegetable oil and shelf-stable milk products. All types of household and personal hygiene items are also appreciated.
Next time you are grocery shopping, consider sharing the gift of food. Simply pick up a few extra items and drop them in the donation bins in-store or make a monetary donation by adding a small amount to your own grocery bill at the checkout. Cash donations help food banks keep their doors open, get food distributed to those who need it and can be used for purchasing perishables and other healthy foods that may be in short supply.
Mike Doucette, vicepresident of operations, Loblaw Atlantic, said, “A small act of kindness can make a big difference for those in need. In our stores across Nova Scotia, we see this time and again ... a donation of a toonie or a can of soup grows into thousands of dollars and pallets of food to help local food banks support people in our communities who will otherwise go hungry. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who is thinking of the needs of others this holiday season — and helping to make our community a better place through your donations to the Holiday Food Drive.”