To Increase Food Donations, The Salvation Army in North Bay Launches One Bag Challenge

The Salvation Army in North Bay, Ont., has launched a fun initiative to encourage people in the community to donate food and necessities. This campaign is called the “One Bag Challenge”.

The challenge has three steps. First, you fill a grocery bag with food, school snacks and toiletries. Second, you take a photo of yourself with the grocery bag, post it on social media and tag the Salvation Army North Bay Ministries. Lastly, you challenge three people to do the same.

The bags The Salvation Army receives are used to restock the shelves at the food bank. Major Stephanie Watkinson, who is leading this program, says that high food prices are affecting the ability to keep up with the growing food demand in the community.
“We do not receive a lot of food donations, so we have to purchase most of our food, which is not feasible right now with the growing cost of food and the growing need that we have. With the “One Bag Challenge” we are trying to get some physical donations in,” Major Watkinson said.

“It’s a great way to open the door to have conversations with people, not only about the immediate need for food but also about The Salvation Army’s plans for more transformational programs.”

While this is the first time this program runs in North Bay, Major Watkinson has had previous experience with this challenge while stationed in Chatham-Kent, Ont. The One Bag Challenge took inspiration from different online trends, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge. It has run in Chatham-Kent for several years, and now Major Watkinson has introduced it to North Bay.
This program not only helps combat hunger, but it also allows food bank clients to have a larger selection of food items.
“We are running it for two months to try to get the word out there that many people are dealing with food insecurity in our community. Within the two months we hope to be able to restock our food bank’s shelves,” Major Watkinson added.
In addition to the benefits it can bring to families in need, the One Bag Challenge will also be a link between The Salvation Army and the community.
“It’s also a nice way to connect with our community. It’s a great way to open the door to have conversations with people, not only about the immediate need for food but also about The Salvation Army’s plans for more transformational programs,” Major Watkinson shared.

By Juan Romero