Cambridge Food Bank launches ‘Summer Food Drive’
Posted Jul 30, 2023 10:42:44 AM.
Last Updated Jul 31, 2023 05:21:41 PM.
Beginning Monday, July 31 the Cambridge Food Bank is launching it’s ‘Summer Food Drive’.
Non-perishable food items will be collected through the initiative including canned goods, pasta, cereal, peanut butter and vegetables.
Residents can drop off any donations at one of a dozen participating ‘Little Short Stop’ store locations in Cambridge. Those include the locations on Saginaw Parkway, Water Street, Norfolk Avenue and on Northumberland Street in Ayr.
The drive comes amid a rising concern over food insecurity in the local community.
Executive director Diane McLeod with the food bank, spoke to CityNews 570 on The Mike Farwell Show earlier this week.
She said all kinds of people have been coming to the food bank, looking for help.
“People who own their own homes, people who are employed, people who are not able to afford a rental or find a rental and are having to live with families and friends.”
McLeod said, a lot of people coming to the food bank are pointing to the cost of living noting their rents are out of control, and they’re spending almost all of their income on housing.
Last year, the Cambridge Food Bank distributed just over 14,000 emergency hampers, which McLeod said was record-breaking.
“That’s the highest it’s been in our 38 year history. Unfortunately, where in for another record-breaking year.”
As of the end of June, just over 11,000 hampers have been handed out so far in 2022, and McLeod calls the numbers ‘concerning’.
The ‘Summer Food Drive’ runs until August 27.
