Londoners stepped up to restock the shelves of the London Food Bank for the summer.
The London Cares Curb Hunger food drive, held between June 7 to 17, raised the equivalent of 86,880 lbs of food for the food bank. That is up roughly 10,000 lbs compared to last year's food drive in which the equivalent of 76,800 lbs of food was donated.
“Londoners continue to show their compassion and support towards their fellow residents facing hardship,” Mayor Josh Morgan said in a statement. “Through online donations, contributions made at grocery stores, and the cultivation of food in local gardens for donation purposes, Londoners have showcased a remarkable sense of community. These recurring acts of generosity, supported by individuals, corporations, and community partners, play a crucial role in ensuring numerous families have access to locally sourced and nourishing meals.”
The donation total for the annual food drive does not include fresh produce that is currently being planted to be harvested and given to the food bank during the late summer and fall months. Many Londoners signed up to give through the Plant a Row, Grow a Row and Adopt a Plot programs. Those two initiatives allow people to plant backyard or community gardens, and adopt a plot in the food bank’s on-site garden to then donate.
Of the total amount of food given, approximately 13,750 lbs of food was dropped off at participating grocery stores, London fire halls and the London Food Bank's warehouse at 926 Leathorne Street. Corporate donations accounted for 38,570 lbs and financial donations totalled the equivalent of 12,990 lbs. The community refresh program offered up 21,570 lbs.
The aim of the 10-day campaign is to bring in donations ahead of the summer months, which are traditionally slower for food donations. The annual campaign supports more than 25,000 people who rely on the food bank.
“The campaign has transformed in recent years with a stronger focus on the distribution of fresh food," said Glen Pearson, the co-executive director of the food bank. "The campaign has been a success year-after-year thanks to the invaluable support of Londoners who cultivate crops in local greenhouses, community gardens, and even their own backyards. To those who are able, we encourage you to continue donating food to the London Food Bank throughout the year, and especially during the summer months.”
