Organizers of the 2019 Rotary Community Food Bank Drive are asking people to give generously this year. The annual event set for September 17th, sees volunteers go door to door collecting non-perishable food items for The Salvation Army Food Bank.
Captain Peter Kim says this event is key to making sure no one in Grande Prairie goes hungry this year.
“Our shelves are empty actually right now and we require all the shelves to be filled so that we can actually provide the food hampers for Christmas and throughout the year. This food drive is our number one way of ensuring that we have food security for our families.”
Last year’s food drive brought in more than 50 tonnes of food shattering the previous record of 46.5 tonnes. Kim says that came in handy when it came to filling the more than 5,000 Christmas food hampers they handed out in 2018.
Jerry Napier has been organizing the food drive for the last 20 years and says he’s seen the need continue to grow year over year.
“The need is out there, there’s absolutely no doubt and it’s all for the need. It’s not about Rotary and it’s not about The Salvation Army it’s really about the people who need it so please, please just give generously when we come to your door.”
For people who won’t be home on collection night, food can be left on front porches or taken to any city firehall. Around 60 teams are still needed to collect food. People can sign up to volunteer on the food drive’s website.