For many, it’s easy to picture a holiday feast: platters generously heaping with delicious food, but for Canada’s 800,000 monthly food bank users, holiday dinners don’t have the same ring.
For this holiday season, Real Canadian Superstore and Real Canadian Wholesale Club in Vernon have teamed up with Vernon Food Bank for their holiday food drive, happening now until Dec. 24. This year, the organizations are hoping to remind everyone that even small donations are all appreciated and can make a difference this season.
Related: North Okanagan realtors food drive feeds growing need
Related: Food bank seeks volunteers, donors for fall food drive
“We know that sometimes there’s a big difference between dinner at our own house and what’s on the table just down the street,” said Jeff Sharman, Manager of Vernon’s Real Canadian Superstore. “This year we want to inspire people in Vernon to make meaningful donations of funds and food to our local food bank so we can help bridge the gap between neighbours and make sure everyone has a happy holiday and nutritious food throughout the winter months.”
In B.C., close to 100,000 people are assisted by the food bank every month, and one out of every three users is a child. Close to 5,000 babies under the age of two receive help from the food bank each month. For seniors that number doubles with a total of about 10,000 receiving help.
“This is a critical time of year to reach out for donations, as the generosity inspired by the holiday season can significantly help to stock our shelves,” said Laura Lansink, Executive Director of Food Banks B.C. “The support of Loblaw stores and their customers will be a tremendous help to us as we assist low income residents to provide their families with healthy nutrition this winter.”
The food bank is calling for donations of nutritious nonperishable food as they are in special need of these items. All monetary donations are always welcomed as each dollar donated results in three full nutritious meals.
To donate, simply place food items in the special food drive bins in-store or make a monetary donation at the checkout.
Related: Okanagan College opens food bank for students
Related: Save-On-Foods launches food bank program
Related: New food bank, with new approach opens in Kelowna
To report a typo, email:
newstips@vernonmorningstar.com.
@VernonNews
newstips@vernonmorningstar.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.