The Pas, MB, March 31, 2022 – Across Canada, the rising cost of living means more people are having to turn to food banks to help keep themselves and their families fed. At the same time, food banks are also coping with rising costs in many key aspects of their own operations. On top of two years of pandemic and a long winter, this means many local food banks are now in dire need of community support in order to continue to help feed growing numbers of hungry Canadians. 

 

Loblaw Companies Limited is stepping up to help through the annual Spring Food Drive that launches this week. Loblaw grocery stores across Canada, including local Extra Foods locations throughout Manitoba, will be collecting donations of food and funds for two weeks beginning March 31 through to the Easter weekend. 

 

In The Pas, Brody’s No Frills is collecting food and cash donations for The Pas Friendship Centre Soup Kitchen. 

All donations made locally go directly to the local food bank to benefit community members in need.  

 

“As we look forward to warmer days ahead, the reality is that the need for food banks remains high coming out of the winter months, especially given the challenges of the current economic environment,” says Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada. “That’s why we are so grateful for generous partners like Loblaw Companies Ltd., who step forward year after year to support our neighbours in need with initiatives like the Spring Food Drive.” 

 

We know how much impact food drives can have. The company’s 2021 Holiday Food Drive last December generated over $2.1 million in in-store cash donations and more than 2 million pounds of food for food banks across the country. In Manitoba, 45,300 dollars and more than 31,800 pounds of food were donated to local food banks in all parts of the province. 

 

For those who are unsure of what to give, monetary donations are an easy and highly effective option. Cash provides the most flexibility for food banks to fill gaps in their operations wherever they are most needed.  

“Manitobans are very community-minded. Even a two-dollar donation at the checkout goes a long way when many people contribute,” says Tonya Lagrasta, Senior Director, Sustainability and Social Impact, Loblaw. “Similarly, just one or two items added your cart for the in-store donation bin become hundreds of pounds of food when the entire community gets involved.”  

 

Along with monetary donations, food banks are most in need of healthy non-perishable items – the same items you would buy to stock your own pantry – such as wholegrain cereals, peanut butter, pasta and pasta sauces, canned fish, meat, vegetables and fruits, baby formula and shelf-stable milk products. 

 

“It’s a hard reality that many Manitobans are in need this spring. Brody’s No Frills is committed to helping ease food insecurity across The Pas by mobilizing our customers and colleagues,” says Lagrasta. “If you are in a position to donate to the food drive, thank you in advance for your generosity.”