The annual Canada Post food drive for the Estevan Salvation Army was held at a different time of year, but it was still well supported by the community.
Canada Post employees circulated the community on June 2, picking up food donations that people left on their front doorsteps. The food was then taken back to the Salvation Army’s food bank.
About 2,000 pounds, or one tonne, of non-perishable food donations were collected during the food drive. Major Heather Harbin with the Salvation Army said donations always come in during the week following the food drive, as some people forget about the drive or were out of town when it happened.
“This year it was windy and rainy, but the employees and their families went out and brought the food to us, so that was wonderful,” said Harbin.
Fifteen to 20 people volunteered during the food drive.
“There was a lot less expired food, so that’s a positive thing,” Harbin said.
The food drive has traditionally been held in September or October. But Canada Post and the Salvation Army thought the late spring made more sense as far as timing.
The summer months are typically a slow time for donations to the food bank, because people are on holidays for summer vacation. But the demand on the food bank doesn’t slow down.
The Salvation Army has had food drives in the spring in the past, but those haven’t been as well supported as this one.
“So this will get us through the summer and then into the fall, and heading toward Christmas, donations are always a little more,” said Harbin.
Harbin said that when the Salvation Army suggested an early June food drive, Canada Post responded by saying that date worked better for their employees and their families.
As people get adjusted to having the food drive in the spring as opposed to the fall, Harbin is optimistic that donations will pick up. Last year the food drive generated nearly two tonnes of food.
“Next year they’ll know and expect it to come,” said Harbin.
Several businesses and organizations traditionally have food drives in the early fall as well.
Prior to the food drive, the shelves at the food bank were depleted. The ministry had excellent support at Christmas last year, which left the shelves full, but the food bank has been busy once again this year.
“Some things we had nothing … so it’s great to see shelves stocked again,” said Harbin.
February and March were particularly busy months for the food bank, and she believes the demand has been up a little bit compared to last year.
“Those two months, for whatever reason, seem to be extremely busy,” said Harbin.
Harbin estimates the shelves were at about one-third capacity before the food drive. Now they’re at around 80 per cent capacity.
Pancake mix, syrup and condiments are among the items they still need.
“For the staples, we are good,” said Harbin.
