Londoners are once again being asked to be generous as the London Food Bank looks to stock its shelves so it can help those in need.
The 2021 edition of the London Cares Curb Hunger food drive launched on Wednesday with a focus on getting fresh food into the hands of those who need it.
“As the need for financial and food donations continues to grow each year, we are focused on increasing our supply of fresh food,” said Food Bank Co-Executive Director Jane Roy. “This annual food drive supports more than 25,000 individuals who rely on the London Food Bank in addition to some of the most vulnerable in our community that require additional assistance.”
The campaign, which runs from June 16 to June 26, asks residents of the city to help the less fortunate by giving donations of food or money. Donations of non-perishable food items can be left in collection bins at participating grocery stores, while donations of perishable and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the food bank on Leathorne Street.
Financial donation can be made online at www.londonfoodbank.ca. Officials at the food bank says this is the easiest and quickest way to help the food bank acquire fresh food.
This year, the food bank is again inviting Londoners to "Plant a Row, Grow a Row." This initiative will see people donate produce from their home or community garden.
"The generosity and compassion of our community helps feed thousands of Londoners each year through this important partnership with the London Food Bank," said Mayor Ed Holder. “In times like these, the London Cares Curb Hunger campaign is more important than ever to ensure everyone has access to food and fresh produce.”
Due to the pandemic, donations are not being accepted at London fire halls this year. There will also not be curbside pickup of donations, as there has been in the past, due to a reduction in the use of the curbside option.