The United Way Perth Huron is teaming up with the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre to raise money for bulk purchases for food banks across the two counties.
Until April 13, money is being raised for the COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund.
"Individuals and families are under a great deal of stress," said HCFBDC Executive Director Mary Ellen Zielman. "We have already seen an increase in the number of requests for food from food banks in both counties. We spent 25 per cent more than usual on food purchases last month and it's expected to continue increasing. By giving money to the HCFBDC through UWPH's COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund, donors can help inject added resources into the system and ensure food banks and the people that need them get through this."
The centre is a major hub and supplier of nutritious food for food banks across Perth and Huron.
And the collective work allows them to buy larger quantities than individual food banks are able to. The added buying power allows the organization to stretch donations further and help more people.
"There is so much uncertainty in the world right now as we come to grips with the pandemic," said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. "To the best of our ability, we want to make sure people get the support they need; that's why we're proud to raise funds for the HCFBDC. Individuals and families who suddenly find themselves struggling need to know there is a safety net to catch them, to make sure their health and the health of the people they care about is the priority, not worrying where their next meal is coming from."
Applications open today. To support the HCFBDC through UWPH's COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund, visit give.unitedway.ca/donate/WSTRAT-UWPH.