Thanksgiving food drive planned for South Surrey and White Rock

The BC Thanksgiving Food Drive is returning to South Surrey and White Rock to support Sources South Surrey/White Rock Food Bank, a member of Food Banks BC. The local campaign is co-ordinated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is part of a drive that has helped food banks across B.C. since 2008.

More than 200 volunteers helped collect over 22,000 pounds of food last year. Co-ordinator Duane Johnson said all food and cash donations stay in the South Surrey/White Rock community. Sources executive director of community programs Corina Carroll said demand continues to grow as costs rise and donations decline.

The food bank has moved to biweekly distribution, providing four days of food instead of two while reducing congestion and trips for clients. It serves an average of 404 households, or 1,108 people, each week—more than 55 per cent above five years ago—or 202 households and 554 people for a two-week supply. It also serves 15 to 20 mobile clients and distributes about 15 crisis food bags daily. Individual clients served are up 25 per cent from the same time last year.

Carroll said clients include working families, people spending more than half their income on rent and seniors struggling with food costs. Donations of tuna, pasta, tomatoes, chickpeas, beans, peanut butter, rice and oats, as well as household and hygiene products, are needed. Food rescue helps supplement supplies but requires drivers and trucks.

Volunteers will deliver bags for non-perishable donations from Sept. 14 to 16. Filled bags must be placed on doorsteps by 9 a.m. Sept. 19 for pickup; expired items cannot be used. Financial donations can be made at the food bank or at sourcesbc.ca. Volunteers can text Johnson at 604-341-5095.