From now until Dec. 15, participating British Columbia Loblaw banner stores are offering a new, easy way to make a difference.
Customers can purchase a $5 box of PC Blue Menu macaroni and cheese with some of the proceeds, and the pasta mix, going to food banks run by Share Family and Community Services in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
From the $5 box of PC Blue Menu macaroni and cheese, $1 will be given to Share as a cash donation and $4 worth of nutritious, non-perishable food (including the box of macaroni and cheese) be distributed through the food bank.
After purchasing, customers can drop the package into their store's Extra Helping collection bin.
The stores participating in this program are Real Canadian Superstore, Dennis' nofrills and Extra Foods all in Coquitlam.
Customers can also donate by purchasing or bringing in their own nutritious, non-perishable food items or by making a cash donation when they pay for their groceries. While shopping in your nearby Loblaw banner store, look for the Extra Helping logo featured on shelves in a variety of aisles, to help quickly and easily identify the most needed items. The logo will also be featured on signs at store entrances, in-store displays, collection bins and at checkout to encourage cash donations.
"We're seeing a continued increase in the number of people who need our help to feed their families," says Don Armstrong, president Food Banks British Columbia. "By donating nutritious, non-perishable food items such as hearty soups, baked beans, canned fish and meat, peanut butter, pasta or much-needed items like baby food, diapers, and formula, customers can make a big difference for local families this holiday season."
According to Food Banks Canada's annual HungerCount, in 2011 an estimated 900,000 Canadians relied on assistance from food banks for some of their food during an average month. In British Columbia, local food banks assist 100,000 people a month., 35% of whom are children.
In the Tri-Cities, Share provides food for about 800 families every two weeks (400 families, each week on alternating weeks).
"We have a responsibility to help fight hunger across Canada," says Peggy Hornell, senior director, Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited. "We know how important it is to put food on the table not only during the holidays, but throughout the cold winter season. We encourage customers to help make a difference by making a food or cash donation to help feed someone in their community."
Food Banks British Columbia states that the most needed non-perishable items in British Columbia include: high protein items such as canned meat and fish, peanut butter, hearty soups, canned beans, baby food, diapers, formula and pasta.
