Whether or not the London Food Bank's Spring Food Drive is as successful as last year's campaign all comes down to this weekend.
Heading into the final weekend of the 31st annual food drive, donations are in line with where they were at this point in 2017.
"We are actually really happy with it so far," said Jane Roy, co-executive director of the food bank. "Last year at this point we had just under 43,000 lbs. But really this food drive in many ways is dependent on this weekend, which is one of the biggest shopping weekends of the season. We need people to remember to donate if they haven't and give what they can. "
The food drive got off to a roaring start last weekend thanks to volunteers handing out donation bags at local grocery stores and the London police Cram the Cruiser event which brought in over 7,120 lbs of food.
"We continue to ask people to be constantly aware of trying to get healthier options for folks," said Roy. "So if you are going to get a can of corn, try to make sure there is no salt added. If you are going to get pasta, get whole-wheat pasta. Basically, whatever you or I would eat are the kinds of things we are looking for."
In addition to non-perishable food items, the food bank asks for donations of feminine hygiene products and diapers.
Throughout the first two months of 2018, an average of 3,350 families have relied on the food bank’s services monthly.
Roughly 60% of all food donated will be divided up among 25 other social agencies and programs in the city, with only the remaining 40% going to stock food bank shelves.
Donations can be dropped off at grocery stores or any London fire hall until Monday.
