With increased food bank usage due to COVID-19 and rising inflation affecting the non-profit sector, Real Canadian Superstore is hosting a fundraiser benefiting the food bank in Nanaimo.
Beginning March 31, and running till the weekend of April 17, Superstore and parent organization Loblaw Companies Ltd. will be collecting money and food, with proceeds going to Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, according to a press release.
Some of the most sought-after food items are wholegrain cereals, peanut butter, pasta and pasta sauce, canned fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, baby formula and shelf-stable milk products. Money donations are also effective, providing “flexibility for food banks to fill gaps in their operations wherever they are most needed,” the press release stated.
“As we look forward to warmer days ahead, the reality is that the need for food banks remains high coming out of the winter months, especially given the challenges of the current economic environment,” said Kirstin Beardsley, Food Banks Canada’s CEO, in the press release. “That’s why we are so grateful for generous partners … who step forward year after year to support our neighbours in need with initiatives like the spring food drive.”
“Nanaimoites are very community-minded,” said Tonya Lagrasta, Loblaw’s senior director of sustainability and social impact, in the press release. “Even a $2 donation at the checkout goes a long way when many people contribute. Similarly, just one or two items added your cart for the in-store donation bin become hundreds of pounds of food when the entire community gets involved.”
Food drives can have significant impact, the company said in the press release, citing its food drive this past December which raised $165,000 and more than 190,000 pounds of items for food banks in B.C.
“It’s a hard reality that many Nanaimoites are in need this spring … If you are in a position to donate to the food drive, thank you in advance for your generosity,” Lagrasta said in the press release.