Airdrie Food Bank needs your vote

Airdrie Food Bank needs your help this holiday season.

The organization is participating in Kraft Food for Families, a program that addresses the capacity needs of food banks to help the organizations better serve the communities they are part of.

Kraft Canada’s program, which is open until Dec. 31, donates 50 cents for every signature received from Airdrie and area residents at www.kraftfoodforfamilies.ca

Airdrie Food Bank also has the opportunity to receive an additional $5,000 by gathering the most online signatures in the program’s Western region, which includes the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

“The program is amazing,” said Lori McRitchie, Airdrie Food Bank executive director. “It is not only benefitting our food bank, but all food banks across Canada. It is a win-win for everyone, the money will be put to things we need.”

At press time, the food bank had raised close to $500 towards its food bank programs. McRitchie encourages residents to take part in the campaign.

“Vote for us and every cent goes towards our food hamper program,” she said.

“As a community, we need to take care of people that are struggling. People want to make a difference in this world… and this makes a difference.”

Most people don’t realize that food banks need more than just food to feed families.

A new survey of 73 Canadian food banks show that almost 90 per cent could increase access to food and improve services within their communities with the addition of basic resources.

According to a press release, Kraft Food for Families’ donation goal is $125,000 to 100 food banks Canada wide.

A total of $20,000 is available in each region, including Pacific, Western, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic.

“As a food company, it’s our responsibility to be part of the solution to hunger in Canada,” said Jack Hewitt, vice president of marketing insight and services for Kraft Canada.

“We’ve more than doubled our donation goal and the number of food banks that Kraft Food for Families will reach this year so that more Canadians can make a difference in their own community.”

A recent survey of Food Banks Canada member food banks revealed that more than half participating in Kraft Food for Families this year admit that apart from food, their most urgent concern is not enough space, equipment or supplies.