Following the success of its World Homelessness Day Food Drive, the Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope plans to make the event an annual undertaking.
The food drive on Tuesday collected 2,000 lbs of non-perishable food items and $3,400 for its food bank.
"Our centre's programs and services are designed to support those who are struggling with food security and homelessness," said Executive Director Major Danny Pinksen. "We need support from the community to help keep our food bank supplied so we can continue to help others."
The Salvation Army teamed up with Loblaws, Tailgate Takeout, Windsor Police and LaSalle Police to collect donations at three locations in Windsor. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., police officers stuffed their cruisers with donations.
On Tuesday, Pinksen said the Salvation Army food bank has been low on supplies since the start of the year.
"Our stocks are low here, and the volume of people who are looking for assistance, especially for food security, is on the increase," he said.
He blamed inflation and rising food costs and suggested some families that typically donate are finding themselves in the position of relying on food banks.
* With files from Maureen Revait
