The London Cares Curb Hunger campaign, in partnership with the London Food Bank, begins June 3, 2020 spreading awareness of the need for financial and food donations (both non-perishable and fresh food) in our community.
"The London Cares Curb Hunger campaign is the longest running partnership of its kind in Canada," says Mayor Ed Holder. "Especially during times like these where the impact of COVID-19 has touched so many Londoners, I know the generosity and compassion of our community coming together will make this 24th year a success.”
“The need for financial and food donations continues to grow each year, and we continue to focus on increasing donations of fresh food” says Jane Roy, Co-Executive Director of the London Food Bank. “Now, perhaps more than ever, it is important to support the more than 25,000 individuals who rely on the London Food Bank in addition to some of the most vulnerable in our community that require additional assistance.”
The annual Curb Hunger campaign raises awareness of the London Food Bank and the needs of those who use it during the summer months which is traditionally a slower period for food donations.
Between June 3 and June 13, residents are encouraged to participate in a number of ways:
- Financial Donations - Online donations at www.londonfoodbank.ca are vital and the quickest way to help the London Food Bank acquire fresh food. Financial donations give the Food Bank the necessary resources to help reach London’s most vulnerable, including individuals and families living unsheltered in our City.
- Plant a Row, Grow a Row - Londoners can sign up to help Grow-a-Row for the Food Bank in their backyard or community gardens. Growing your own produce at home is a great activity for families and households, and any extra produce from your garden can be donated to the Food Bank.
- Food Donations - Non-perishable food donations can be left in bins at participating grocery stores. Residents can view store locations online. Fresh and non-perishable foods continue to be accepted at the Food Bank, located at 926 Leathorne Street. Your patience is appreciated when visiting as physical distancing measures continue to be in effect.
- Community ReFresh - For three years now, the London Food Bank and City of London have partnered with Food Banks Canada and a number of local grocery stores to rescue food before it expires. Over 800,000 pounds (362,000 kg) of food have been donated from participating grocery stores. This food would have been sent to landfill if it had been left to expire.
Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has required some adjustments to this year’s campaign to help City staff, volunteers, and residents participate safely:
- There is no pickup of non-perishable food donations at curbside. Due to the gradual decline in the use of the curbside portion, this option was not going to be used in 2020.
- Fire Stations will not be used as drop off centres this year.
For more information on this year’s campaign, please visit www.london.ca/londoncares