For many Canadians, it’s easy to picture a holiday feast: platters generously heaping with delicious food and all the fixings.
But for Canada’s 800,000 monthly food bank users, holiday dinners don’t have the same ring. That’s why Real Canadian Superstore in Chilliwack has teamed up with Chilliwack Care and Share Salvation Army Food Bank for their holiday food drive, which is on now until Dec. 24.
This year, the organizations are reminding community members that even a small donation is all it takes to enable us all to enjoy a special holiday dinner.
“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,” says Jason Pietzarka Real Canadian Superstore manager. “This year we want to inspire people in Chilliwack 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 British Columbia, 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 and for seniors that number doubles (10,000).
“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,” says Laura Lansink, executive director of Food Banks BC. “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.”
This year Real Canadian Superstore is calling for donations of nutritious nonperishable food items — think of healthy items you would choose to feed your own family. The food bank is in special need of hearty, healthy food items and is also grateful for all monetary donations as each dollar donated results in three full nutritious meals.
It’s easy to donate — simply place food items in the special food drive bins in-store or make a monetary donation at the checkout.