Donations to food banks typically take a drop over the summer months, and while many people are off enjoying the beach, trips, and barbecues others worry about their next meal because hunger doesn't take vacations.
With the assistance of the Mill Bay Community League, the CMS Food Bank will be hosting their third annual Summer Food Drive on July 26 — a community effort to ensure no on has to choose between paying their rent, and putting food on the table.
"It feels good to give and to help for such an important issue but the fact that many of our neighbours are facing these challenges is shocking," said Mill Bay Community League president Shane Ryan. "The CMS Food Bank's total number of food bank clients served in 2023 was 3,445 and in 2024 it was 5,026. That's a 46 per cent increase in a single year and the demand isn't slowing down. Inflation at the grocery store and dramatically increased taxes imposed on residents by the CVRD is forcing seniors and families into the food banks."
As the South Cowichan food bank aims to fight hunger this summer as food stocks run low they are currently in need of non-perishable food donations. Items that are especially needed include: canned fruits and vegetables, canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans), dried pasta and rice, cereal, peanut butter, soups, as well as healthy snacks.
Other items that are often overlooked but are always needed include: baby formula, cooking oils and spices, meal supplements (like Ensure), toilet paper and personal hygiene items, pet food, condiments, and allergy-sensitive foods (gluten-free, lactose-free).
On the day of the Summer Food Drive between the hours of 10 a.m to 2 p.m., volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food items, as well as cash donations at Cobble Hill's Country Grocer, Thrifty Foods in Mill Bay, and Masons Store in Shawnigan Lake.
Online donations can be made at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/5704.
“This community never fails to step up,” said a CMS Food Bank representative. “Thanks to your generosity, we’ve kept shelves stocked and stomachs full — even during the toughest months. We’re calling on you again to help your neighbours.”
"We're hoping to raise the profile of the food bank and that our residents who can, will make donating food or money to the food bank a regular if not monthly part of their routine," said Ryan.
