Global BC and Shaw have partnered with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank to ensure families in need in the Lower Mainland don’t go hungry this Thanksgiving.
This year’s Global BC Thanksgiving Food Bank Drive takes place Thursday, October 10.
The public is invited to drop off non-perishable food items or donations between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Global BC studios at 7850 Enterprise Street in Burnaby, or at the Shaw Tower located at 1067 West Cordova Street in downtown Vancouver.
Shaw retail locations will also be accepting donations all week, from October 7 to October 11. Donations collected at retail locations will be directed to local food banks in their communities.
Global BC personalities and staff will be volunteering their time throughout the day to support food collection for those most in need.
Triple O’s will be on location for everyone who brings a donation. Several local politicians and celebrities will be in attendance, including Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan; Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi; BC Lions GM Wally Buono and many others.
You can also follow the event on social media through the hashtag #ThanksForGiving
Last year, Global BC’s food bank drive collected over 13,000 pounds of food and over $25,000 in donations.
Kay Thody with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank says the need at this time of year is especially high.
“People are still transitioning out of summer, dealing with back-to-school and settling into a new season. Since we generate most of our donations during the holiday season, as we get towards the beginning of fall, it’s one of our lowest times of the year.”
Thody is asking people to keep healthy, whole foods in mind when deciding what to donate.
“We asking people to have a peek at the labels — sometimes it’s the lesser expensive items that are lower in sodium, lower in sugar — things that no one needs any more of.”
“Non-perishable food is really important because of the volume of people we are assisting and the need for it to be shelf-stable.”
Thody says the food bank has been working with nutritionists to purchase produce that is healthy and packed with nutrients.
“We have amped up our fresh produce and what we are doing with local farmers in an effort to provide people with the best nutrition possible.”
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank helps 28,000 people a week through its 15 food depots. 26 per cent of those are children and 18 per cent are seniors. There’s been a 5 per cent increase in the number of people accessing the food bank over the past year.
For every dollar raised, the food bank is able to purchase $3 worth of food.
To make a donation online to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, click here. You can also make a donation by phone at 778-945-0030 or toll-free at 1-(855)-215-6933. Please indicate which food bank you would like to direct your donation to.
The food bank says the following items are the most-needed:
- protein (canned fish, meat, beans)
- natural peanut butter
- whole wheat pasta and rice
- pasta sauce
- wholesome meals in a can (soups, stews, chili)
- canned fruit and veggies
- healthy, low sugar cereal
- juices (natural fruit and vegetable)
- infant formula and diapers
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