London Food Bank campaign breaks 10-year record for donations

The annual London Cares donation drive for the London Food Bank has collected a large amount of non-perishable food, with more fresh produce expected from people in the Ontario city who are growing veggies in their gardens for the cause. 

The London Cares Curb Hunger food drive reached a 10-year high for donations in 2021, with the equivalent 38,555 kilograms of food collected between June 16 and June 26. 

More fresh produce is expected from the Grow-A-Row and community garden programs, officials said Friday. 

"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," said Mayor Ed Holder. 

"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."

The breakdown of the 38,555 kg was as follows:

• Grocery stores: 2,767 kg
• Corporate donations: 12,496 kg
• Community Refresh: 12,973 kg
• Financial donations ($59,150, when broken down per kilogram totalled 10,319 kg).

'Resounding success'

This year's total easily surpassed the total for 2020 (28,731 kg) and is the highest total in 10 years.

"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," said London Food Bank co-director Glen Pearson. "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."

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 growing fresh produce for donation, and others are being set up.

"We offer a special thanks to all those who participated in what turned out to be an exceptional Curb Hunger event," said Pearson.