Cranbrook and Kimberley food banks are preparing for a food drive on May 6. Next week is Hunger Awareness Week in Canada, and so the food banks are hoping to promote solutions to the problem of hunger.
According to the food banks, there are some 900,000 individuals who turn to food banks for support each month in Canada. It also said that of those individuals, 38 per cent are children and youth.
Food Banks Canada is asking people to "give it up for hunger", which challenges Canadians to give up lunches or a food staple for the week.
Jackie Jensen from the Cranbrook Food Bank said this is a way for everyone to contribute and feel connected to the cause of hunger.
“We encourage everyone – students, parents, families and the business community to join us May 6-10,” Jensen said.
The food banks are working together with Investors Group volunteers and local retailers to start the week off with food drives at Save On Foods, Safeway and Superstore in Cranbrook, and Overwaitea Foods and Mark Creek Market in Kimberley.
If you are interested in becoming involved with Hunger Week events, contact Jackie Jensen at 250-426-7664, Stan Saliken with the Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank at 250-427-5522, or Valerie Melnick or Liana Shaw at Investors Group at 250-489-6100. You can also visit www.hungerawarenessweek.ca for other ideas on fighting hunger.