Guest columnist Carolyn Khan is with the Bradford Helping Hand Food Bank
It’s no surprise that, after a year of tremendous economic uncertainty, a record number of our community members are turning to the Helping Hand Food Bank in Bradford to meet their needs. In fact, in Ontario alone, food bank use has increased 100.6 per cent since 2019.
As families look to stretch their dollar further, and as demand reaches an all-time high, the need for food banks to be well-stocked has never been more urgent. This is especially true during the holiday season, as more and more families are faced with tough choices, like putting food on the table or gifts under the tree.
That’s why your contribution to Bradford’s food banks will make a significant difference.
To help address the need, members of the community can always stop by the food bank to make a donation. We’re also appreciative of Reali's NoFrills Bradford who are once again running their Holiday Food Drive to help us meet seasonal demand.
Food Drive details:
Food Drive timeline: Nov. 30 to Dec. 24
Location: Reali's NoFrills, Bradford
How you can help: customers can make food or cash donations in store. Cash donations will help to keep everything running and keep shelves stocked when food supply dwindles.
Food Items needed are:
- Grains: cereal, rice, pasta, oats, granola bars,
- Proteins: canned fish, beans, peanut butter
- Fruit and vegetables: canned fruits and vegetables
- Pantry staples: soup, pasta, pasta sauce
- Household and hygiene: toilet paper, soap, shampoo, size 5 & 6 diapers, toothpaste, deodorant, menstrual products
Next time you are grocery shopping, consider sharing the gift of food. Grab a few extra things and drop them in the donation bins near the store entrance.
You can also give money at the cash register of your local NoFrills. Your small act of kindness can make a big difference for those in need.
