THUNDER BAY — As food insecurity continues to increase across Thunder Bay and the region, the Regional Food Distribution Association is anticipating filling even more holiday hampers this year.
“The need has increased right across the city. Well, we know it’s increased right across the country,” said June Gaw, president of the RFDA.
Gaw noted Food Banks Canada recently stated up to two million people are in need of accessing food banks across the country.
On Wednesday, the RFDA launched its annual Be the Reason for the Season campaign, which sees the organization fill hampers for seniors, singles and couples.
“The idea is to cover the segment of our population that is not covered by Christmas Cheer,” Gaw said. That program provides hampers to families with children.
“These are people in need who do not have children and as such cannot receive from Christmas Cheer,” she said.
The hampers are filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, a ham, and numerous dry and packaged food items like cereal, pasta, pancake mix, stuffing and peanut butter.
Making sure all food groups are covered is a great focus for the RFDA, said Gaw.
“The main thing is to provide a healthy hamper,” she said.
Elementary students also make Christmas cards that are included in the packages and Grade 8 students attend the RFDA to make homemade cookies that are also included.
Last year more than 1,600 hampers were distributed throughout the city and Gaw said they anticipate that number to grow this year.
Anyone wishing to register for a hamper can call 211. Registration is open until Nov. 29.
The hampers will be distributed on Dec. 13 at the Heritage building on the CLE grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donations can be made through two food drives. The first is Saturday at the No Frills at County Fair Plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the second is set for Nov. 23 at the Metro on River Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Donations can also be made online or in person at the RFDA on South Syndicate Avenue.
