London Business Cares Food Drive (LBCFD) could not have come at a more opportune time.
“At the food bank’s board meeting on Wednesday, we saw the numbers for November and this is the second highest in our 35-year history,” said Glen Pearson, co-executive director of the London food bank.
“We were all a little shocked. We knew it was increasing, but it has increased a lot now and for Canada’s largest food banks their numbers have increased by over 50% during the pandemic. So, I mean, it’s not something, it’s just a London problem, it’s a Canadian problem. ”Pearson added.
This weekend, 30 stores in London, Ontario. including 27 grocery stores, were filled with volunteers for the annual LCBFD grocery weekend.
“I actually had to take out 30 other Gaylords in the last two hours, which is how busy it has been,” said LBCFD campaign chairman Wayne Dunn.Customer Tim Forrest arrived to purchase a bag of carrots, but instead bought and donated an entire basket of groceries.
“I run a small business and I see everyone around the corner this time of year struggling to get by and just want to do my part,” Forrest explained.
Pearson believes that the generosity of thousands of people like Forrest is what enables them and other agencies to serve the growing customer base.
“We’re missing just over 3,600 families,” said Pearson. “That’s almost 9,000 people a month, and that doesn’t speak to the other 10,000 people we regularly feed through other agencies we help, and their numbers are growing as well.”
To make this weekend a success in the four corners of the city, you need nearly 1,000 volunteers. Among them at Wharncliffe Road and Commissioners Avenue No Frills were Inter-County Baseball League champions Braeden Ferrington and Cleveland Brownlee of the London Majors.
“We’re just trying to feed as many families as possible for the holidays,” Brownlee said. “At this time of year you always get the best stories. A guy came over yesterday (Saturday) and he said last year he was homeless and now he says he is able to helping provide for other families. He walked out with quite a shopping cart, and that’s the kinds of stories and things you’re looking for this weekend. “
While the grocery weekend is now over, the LBCFD will continue for the next two and a half weeks.
“We are storing all of our food in the Edge Automation warehouse in east London and have a great conclusion on December 22,” Dunn said.
“In the meantime, a lot of businesses will be involved with their staff. People can still donate online at our website, and in the coming weeks we’ll be moving the campaign to more cash than food. However, businesses will continue to help and we’re ‘I’m glad to have it too.’
It was a hub of activity during the London Business Cares Food Drive Grocery Weekend at No Frills on Wharncliffe Road in London, Ont. On December 5, 2021. (Brent Lale / CTV News)Pearson calls the business community “essential” to the food bank’s ability to serve.
“It is not yet a crisis, but it is a real moment of concern,” he said. “Food security, especially after COVID, we thought we would all do better, and we’re rebuilding better but it didn’t work in this case. “
Next up is the “Be a Fan, Bring a Can” event on Saturday, December 11, when the London Knights host the Guelph Storm.
Volunteers will be on hand at Budweiser Gardens to collect donations for the LBCFD.
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