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The generosity of Londoners during a time of need was clearly seen when the London Food Bank announced the final numbers for its 34th annual spring food drive.
Jane Roy, the food bank’s co-executive director says 54,410 pounds of food were donated, and $349,150 was raised, which is worth 134,286 pounds of food.
“Over a thousand people made donations online [the] first weekend we announced the food drive,” said Roy.
“It was kind of emotional… we were quite overwhelmed and inspired.”
The drive began on April 3, and ended Monday.
According to Roy, the format of this year’s spring food drive was different than previous years due to COVID-19.
The food bank recommended online monetary donations, hence, creating a ‘virtual’ food drive.
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Roy says the money raised will go towards purchasing food, which will then be dispersed throughout the community.
“[40] per cent of the food, we keep at the food bank. Right now, we’re helping 3,300 to 3,400 families a month,” Roy explained.
“That’s around 8,000 to 9,000 individuals.”
The co-executive director adds the remaining 60 per cent of food will go towards local social agencies, such as Anova, Mission Services, and the Salvation Army.
Even though this year’s spring food drive has come to an end, Roy says donations are still highly appreciated.
Monetary donations are accepted on the food bank’s website, and food donations are accepted through donation bins at grocery stores.
Roy says toilet paper is high in demand currently, as well as staple foods such as pasta, pasta sauce, and canned meats, vegetables, and soups.
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