Atlantic Superstore calling on South Shore residents to support annual holiday food drive
It’s the time of year when everyone is thinking about food. But while most are doing their holiday baking, preparing for holiday entertaining and a turkey feast, others in our community are worrying about how to keep the kitchen cupboards and dinner plates filled when there are so many other expenses to think about as well.
That’s why Atlantic Superstore is launching the Holiday Food Drive at stores throughout Nova Scotia. From now until Dec. 24, stores will be collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations to help community members in need across the province.
In Bridgewater, Atlantic Superstore will support the Bridgewater Inter Church Food Bank and Sam’s No Frills will support the New Germany Area Food Bank.
In Liverpool, Atlantic Superstore will support the Queens County Food Bank.
Your Independent Grocer locations in Hubbards, Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg will also support local food banks in each area.
One hundred per cent of food and cash donations made locally will stay in our communities.
Food Banks Canada’s latest Hunger Count Report shows that over half of Nova Scotia’s food banks reported increased use between 2018 and 2019. Children make up almost 3 in 10 of those using the services of food banks (29.4 per cent).
“As the winter closes in, and especially leading up to the holidays, there are many stresses on a household budget. Sometimes there just isn’t enough money for everything,” says Nick Jennery, executive director, Feed Nova Scotia. “The Atlantic Superstore holiday campaign comes at a perfect time each year to help make the holidays brighter for everyone, and to help local food banks, and our clients, get through the months ahead.”
This year Atlantic Superstore is calling once again for donations of nutritious non-perishable food items as well as cash. Hayley Ewing, registered dietitian at the Bridgewater and Liverpool Atlantic Superstore locations, says that most needed items are the same ones that you fill your cart with each week.
“Think about the healthy pantry staples that you stock up each week on to feed your own family – wholegrain cereals, hearty soups, canned fish such as tuna and salmon, pasta and pasta sauces, canned vegetables and fruits. Baby foods are also much needed,” says Ewing. “Along with my fellow Superstore colleagues, I would like to encourage you to pick up an extra item or two during your next shop, then simply place the food items you are donating in the special food drive bins in-store,” adds Ewing. Even easier, shoppers can make a monetary donation at the checkout.
Last year, during the Holiday Food Drive Nova Scotians donated a total of $170,000 and thousands of pounds of non-perishable food to local food banks across the province. Area residents are urged to raise even more this holiday season.
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