The London Food Bank’s spring drive has collected more than 9,000 kilograms of food since it was launched last week.
The annual drive had collected 9,011 kilograms of food and cash equivalents by Monday, down slightly from 9,064 kilograms by the same time last year, said food bank co-director Jane Roy, who called the generosity of donors “inspiring.”
“It’s not surprising, since Londoners have always been incredibly generous whenever we put the call out,” she said of the latest tally.
“People are gathering together to help their neighbours. That’s always really encouraging for us.”
Sixty per cent of donations to the spring food drive, which kicked off Friday and runs until April 18, are distributed to other agencies and networks in the area.
The drive gives the food bank and the agencies it supports a much-needed boost as donations from the Christmas and Thanksgiving season wane and need in the community continues, Roy said.
Last month was the second-busiest month for the food bank on record. The agency helped 3,771 families, including 10,275 individuals, in March, a total that is just behind its record in January 2014 when the food bank helped 3,870 families.
London Food Bank’s Spring Food Drive
When: April 8-18
Donations: Food donations accepted at major grocery stores, but not London fire stations. Financial contributions can be made online at www.londonfoodbank.ca
Food needs: Non-perishable food items include peanut butter, rice, baby formula, soup, no-salt-added canned tomatoes, juice, tinned meat and fish, pasta and pasta sauce, powdered milk, healthy cereal and crackers
Non-food wish list: Items such as diapers, toothpaste, toilet paper and detergent