Agencies recruiting Support for Back to School Programs

Partnerships and cooperation have become the best means of accomplishing common goals, and this year Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge and many southwest Alberta community agencies will work together again to coordinate their efforts to ensure that every child is prepared and equipped to learn when they return to school this year.

Since 2013, local agencies have expanded the capacity of Back to School programs by working with the local school districts and many other groups to get school supplies to schools, which can then get them into the hands that need them most.

This annual collaborative effort has now become the main venue for supporting families as they prepare for children to return to school, and provides not only back to school supplies, but also connections with local community supports ranging from health and wellness to recreational activities.

This format of our Back To School programs allows schools to focus on ensuring all children have the tools they need for learning, and food banks can help families with resources necessary for parents to provide healthy school lunches and snacks.

This year, we will focus again recruiting lunch kits and healthy back to school snack items such as granola bars, fruit cups, juice boxes and fresh fruits and vegetables, and will lend all of our Back to School support to the local collaborative efforts.

While we will still ensure all school supply donations make their way to schools, Interfaith Food Bank has committed to providing 1200 children with lunch kits and are encouraging community members to donate.

Those who would like to receive a charitable tax receipt for their donations to the back to school programs are requested to provide a proof of purchase with their donation. Several local businesses, clubs and organizations throughout the city will assist in collecting supplies on behalf of participating agencies. If your group would like to participate as a local drop off location, please contact us to arrange for a collection bin.

For more information on Interfaith Food Bank, visit www.interfaithfoodbank.ca or call 403-320- 8779.