The BC Thanksgiving Food Drive (BCTFD) is back for 2024 and needs your help.
The BCTFD Project is a provincewide initiative that helps feed thousands across B.C. who rely on food banks for their basic nutritional needs.
From Sept. 16 to 19, community volunteers will deliver flyers and drop boxes to various neighbourhoods in Squamish where people can donate non-perishable food items to be collected on Sept. 21.
According to a press release, around 100 volunteers provided service to the Squamish community last year, where more than 5,000 pounds of non-perishable food was collected from 4500 local homes.
This year, with the increased housing density downtown, the BCTFD hopes to drive up the number of homes participating in the event which run
“We can facilitate this by placing drop off boxes and flyers in common areas of condo units that would like to get involved,” reads the release.
Squamish Food Bank representative Abigail Watson emphasised the crucial role of the BC Thanksgiving Food Drive in supporting locals.
"Thanks to the generous support from the BC Thanksgiving Food Drive, our Food Bank is able to assist those in need within our community," Watson said in the press release.
"Many individuals in Squamish face food shortages, which leaves them and their children without adequate meals and proper nutrition. We strive to stock our shelves with nutritious food options to enhance the overall health and well-being of those who rely on our services."
While all contributions are welcome, not all can be accepted—products past their expiration dates in particular.
“Your contributions, whether in the form of non-perishable food items or cash donations, play a vital role in combating food insecurity in Squamish,” Watson said.
“We encourage everyone to give generously and, when donating food, to be mindful of expiration dates. Expired items cannot be used and result in additional disposal costs for the Food Bank, impacting our resources.”
The local BCTFD event in Squamish is co-ordinated by the Squamish Multifaith Association in partnership with the Squamish branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the Squamish Food Bank.
For more information or to volunteer, contact the Squamish Food Drive via email at [email protected].
