Salvation Army launches food drive in Estevan, Saskatchewan

by jmifsud
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    Estevan, SK – The Estevan Salvation Army has started the Fill the Bank Food Drive, in an effort to stock up the food bank’s shelves prior to the busy summer season.

    Lieutenant Brian Bobolo said that no donation is too small, particularly before the summer months, when food bank donors tend to leave town and go on vacation. Food bank clients, on the other hand, tend to remain in town due to lack of resources. For them, the struggle to access an adequate supply of healthy food remains a constant.

    A few cans of food or small financial donations can be the difference between good health and unmet nutritional needs for many Estevan residents, he said.

    “While those extra granola bars and cans of fruit sitting in the cupboard, or spare change sitting in the coffee can on the shelf, may not mean much to you, they can have a significant impact on the lives of those we serve throughout the year,” said Bobolo.

    The Salvation Army‘s food bank will use the donations to support its various food bank programs. The Salvation Army provides food to area school breakfast and lunch initiatives. As well, there are over 200 individuals who receive food at least once every two months from the food bank’s hamper program.

    This number has grown by 10 per cent in each of the last three years.

    The Salvation Army has also seen a growing demand for bagged lunches and ready to eat food from individuals who struggle to find permanent housing.

    “People come into town seeking employment and need assistance with food until they get settled and receive their first paycheques,” said Bobolo. “When we discover where people are camping out, we load up our big blue Salvation Army van and bring food out to them.”

    Pull top items such as canned meats and pasta, as well as juices boxes, are particularly useful. The food bank hamper program is also in need of all other food items with the exception of soup and spaghetti, which remain in sufficient supply.

    The Salvation Army‘s food bank will distribute in excess of $50,000 worth of food in 2013 through its various programs. This includes approximately $10,000 worth of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains and meat products that the Salvation Army will purchase using cash donations.

    Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army‘s building, which is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Story courtesy of Sask Lifestyles.

    You can help those who may not have food on their shelves by making a generous donation to The Salvation Army today. Donate here.