Thanks to generous support from residents, businesses and community partners, donations during the London Cares Curb Hunger food drive reached a 10-year high in 2021. Between June 16 and June 26, a total equivalent of 85,000 pounds were collected, with more fresh produce still expected from the food drive’s Grow-a-Row and community garden initiatives.
“Even in the midst of a pandemic and during a time of mourning, Londoners came together to support their neighbours in need by giving to the London Food Bank. Thanks to the countless residents who gave online, donated at the grocery store or will grow food in local gardens to donate, as well as to the food bank’s dedicated corporate donors and community partners. The London Cares Curb Hunger food drive had an incredible year,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “Thank you to everyone who gave so generously.”
The breakdown of the 85,000 pounds was as follows:
- Grocery stores = 6,100 pounds
- Corporate donations = 27,550 pounds
- Community Refresh = 28,600 pounds
- Financial donations ($59,150 @ $2.60 per pound) = 22,750 pounds
This year’s total easily surpassed the total for 2020 (63,340 pounds) and is the highest total in 10 years – making the 2021 food drive truly special.
“This year’s Curb Hunger effort was a resounding success and has helped to put this community on a new path toward urban agriculture and the ability to provide local, nutritional food to hungry families. This is the time to grow, and we are encouraging Londoners to keep planting and harvesting fresh produce through the Grow-a-Row and community garden initiatives. Hunger doesn’t take the summer off and residents have numerous opportunities to grow produce and get it to food bank clients,” says Glen Pearson, Co-Director of the London Food Bank.
Beyond the success of the food drive, a total of 11 community greenhouses were given out, with additional requests being processed, thanks to the Business Cares Food Drive. Three greenhouses at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church are already growing fresh produce for donation, while the others are being set up.
The support from the Business Cares Food Drive helped to raise awareness of the London Cares Curb Hunger food drive and help local residents and businesses better understand the need for nutritious, locally grown produce at the London Food Bank.
“We offer a special thanks to all those who participated in what turned out to be an exceptional Curb Hunger event,” says Pearson.
