Give it up for Hunger

Next week - May 7-11, I will be participating in the Caledon Community Services - Food Bank awareness campaign "Give it up for Hunger".  Food Banks Canada (The national association of food banks) is conducting their Hunger Awareness campaign from May 7 – 11. They are challenging people across Canada to “Give It Up for Hunger” during this week. They have asked all food banks to get involved and plan activities for their own community.
One of the main hopes is that this type of campaign will increase empathy with the experience of people who are living on a low income - the unemployed, underemployed as well as those who rely on social assistance and other income support programs.

Here in Caledon - it may surprise people to think that there is a need for a food bank...But
• The Caledon Food Support program is currently providing assistance to 846 clients. These are families, individuals and children living in our community.
• On a monthly basis we distribute $7,000 in food certificates (secured through fundraising initiatives such as the CCS Santa Fund).
• Currently, our Food Support Program provides clients with a monthly grocery gift card (average amount for a family of four is $70 per month or $35 for individual) and 1 box of food per person.

Here is my shopping list:

• 1 – 1lb bag of pasta of your choice

• 2 cans of beans (Choice of chick peas, 

          pork and beans, kidney beans or lentils)  540 ml each

• 2 cans of soup (Usually tomato, mushroom 

          or chicken noodle) 284 ml each

• 1 box of macaroni & cheese

• 1 package of rice (Uncle Ben’s/No Name)

• 1 can of spaghetti sauce

• 1 can of vegetables 398 ml

• 1 can of meat (175 g)

• 1 Speciality item:  Box of cereal; jar of peanut butter; 

          jar of jam; pancake mix

• $8. – Your choice (Must be spent in a grocery store, 

            not a restaurant)

I will blog throughout the week - and there will be others in Caledon doing the same.

Peace