Canada’s Agriculture Day may hold more significance this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has put a brighter spotlight on the importance of the agriculture sector.
In order to recognize the annual event and help out a couple of local organizations, the Kent Federation of Agriculture (KFA) is organizing a curbside donation drop-off event. Once again, the KFA has partnered with the Salvation Army of Chatham-Kent and Outreach for Hunger for the food drive.
KFA event coordinator Mary Anne Udvari said a lot of work has gone into making sure the entire process follows all COVID-19 safety precautions.
"With the COVID-19 restrictions we are going to be extra careful and of course the food that we are going to have donated... it is certainly going to a worthy cause," she said.
Canada’s Agriculture Day, held on February 23, acts as an opportunity for producers to share their pride and help consumers gain a better understanding of where their food comes from. Of course this year, that person-to-person conversation will be very different and on-site participation will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"People in this community are so very generous," said Udvari. "We have many of the same people who have donated to our cause for many years now and of course we always have new people who are willing to help out, especially during these circumstances and in this time of need."
The curbside donation event will be held on February 23 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Salvation Army branch in Chatham at 46 Orangewood Blvd. Any monetary donations made will go towards the purchase of food products for the two organizations.
Udvari said the KFA has been working on the project for a few weeks now and have reached out to local producers to help out as they have in the past.
"They over extend their generosity every year and we are grateful," said Udvari.