There was a steady stream of food donations dropped off for the Norfolk Holiday Drive-Thru Food Drive on a rainy Tuesday morning in Simcoe.
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“I think people have been very generous today, there is a good variety,” said Lisa Girard, one of the food drive organizers, who is urging people to continue donating to local food banks.
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“Right here in our community, there is a need for it, so give what you can.”
On Tuesday, people dropped off non-perishable food items, personal grooming products, cleaning products, and monetary donations at The CIBC Auditorium on the Norfolk County Fairgrounds. Donations were divided among all the food banks the county.
“They come in today (Tuesday) to pick them up and we help fill their pants,” said Girard.
Participating food banks and services included the Simcoe Caring Cupboard, The Salvation Army and Riversyde 83, Delhi Sharing Pantry, Port Dover and Area Lifeline Foodbank, Waterford & District Food Cupboard, and the Mission Food Bank in Port Rowan, and HN Women’s Services.
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Norfolk County Agricultural Society annually partners with Norfolk County and The Simcoe Reformer to run the Holiday Drive-Thru Food Drive. Before the pandemic, the same partners organized a Holiday Soup Luncheon, supported by Norfolk restaurants, which raised thousands of dollars every year for Norfolk food banks for about 14 consecutive years.
“We’ve been partners for a long time,” said Girard, noting Toyotetsu Canada was also a major donor.
“We’re more than grateful, especially this time of year,” said Donna Thompson, chair and coordinator of the Waterford & District Food Cupboard. “It’s getting near Christmas and everyone’s a little pinched with the economy. So any donations anyone gives, we’re very grateful, very appreciative.”
Waterford & District customers also appreciate the support, she said. They “are struggling and need a little bit of a hand up with (food) prices and rent going up.”
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