Salvation Army sets up at local grocery stores for weekend food drive

The shelves at the Salvation Army’s food bank on Gilmore Road are “exploding at the seams” thanks to the generosity of shoppers at three local grocery stores on Saturday.

A food drive was held at Sobeys, No Frills, and Joe’s Independent Grocer with volunteers standing outside each location accepting food and monetary donations.

On Monday, food bank co-ordinator Sabrina Marcantonio told Fort Erie Radio that 1,135 lbs. of food and $1,000 in cash was collected between all three spots.

This is the first time the local Army took the lead on a food drive of this format, which followed the success of one put on by Niagara Regional Police earlier this year where uniformed officers set up at local stores to collect items.

Marcontonio said it’s possible that future events will be held on a more-than-annual basis.

It’s also important for volunteers who took part Saturday to “educate people, let them know about our services and that it’s all for a good cause.”

The food drive was held due to shelves slowly becoming empty at the food bank, a place that serves about 60 families per week.

“We’ve had some high numbers in the last year,” she said when asked about whether the need is increasing in town.

The most needed items at the food bank are peanut butter, school snacks like applesauce and pudding cups, fruit cups and peanut-free granola bars.

Macaroni and cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meat and fish, and canned beans are also needed.

The food bank is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by appointment from 1 to 4 p.m.

Those in need can call (905) 871-1592 or email forterie.foodbank@salvationarmy.ca to register.

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