SASKATOON – Saskatoon residents came out in droves over the weekend to show their support for those struggling to make ends meet. Over 500 volunteers hit the streets on May 2 to collect donations for the 10th annual city-wide food drive.
Nutritious donations were collected by volunteers who went door to door and local businesses contributed trucks and trailers.
In the end, the Saskatoon food Bank collected 62,000 pounds of food. Last year, the event reached 75,000 pounds.
Although the weight of donations was down, the food bank is praising those who contributed to the cause.
“We are grateful to all who took the time to make a special trip to their grocery store,” said Deborah Hamp, director of operations and engagement for the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre.
Over the past year, the food bank has seen a sharp increase of people relying on them with over 15,000 users per month. Hamp noted that almost half of clients are children.
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The summer months can be particularly difficult by families without the support of school breakfast and lunch programs.
The food bank is asking that people continue this weekend’s momentum over to a national campaign. The “Every Plate Full” food drive runs until Friday and is designed to fill the plates of every hungry Canadian this summer.
People can donate non-perishable food items by using the bins at their local grocery stores or at the food bank on Avenue C South.
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