Cochrane residents are encouraged to lend a helping hand later this month as the Cochrane Food Bank launches its spring food drive on April 26.
This year’s campaign brings a few changes. In the past, Helping Hands of Cochrane & Area organized the town-wide initiative, but with a shift in their mandate, the Cochrane Food Bank has taken over the reins.
“We’ve split the town into two sections,” said Ann Beatty, head of the food drive committee. “This spring, we’ll be covering the west side of Highway 22, including communities like Harmony, Monterra, and Cochrane Lakes. In the fall, on September 20, we’ll focus on the east side.”
The process is simple: volunteers will go door-to-door on the west side of town collecting non-perishable food donations.
Residents are asked to place items on their doorstep by 10 a.m. for pickup, though volunteers may knock if they don’t see a donation.
“If people are comfortable knocking, we really encourage it,” said Beatty. “We’ve found that we get up to 50 per cent more donations when someone gives a friendly reminder at the door.”
Top priority items include oatmeal, soup, juice, canned protein, and cereal, essentials that are often in short supply.
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“Donations are more important than ever,” Beatty explained. “Food costs and other expenses are going up, and more families are turning to the food bank for help. These drives play a vital role in keeping our shelves stocked.”
The food bank is also looking for volunteers, drivers and runners to collect and deliver the donations.
“It's a great opportunity for individuals, families, or community groups to get involved,” said Beatty. “If you’re interested, call the food bank at 403-932-9290 and they’ll get you connected with a team.”
All donations collected will go directly to supporting local individuals and families in need.
Communities include Fireside, Bow Meadows, Bow Ridge, Crawford Ranch, Jumping Pound, West Valley, West Terrace, West Pointe, Heartland, Heritage Hills, Monterra, Cochrane Lakes and Harmony.
A second drive will be held on the east side of Cochrane in September.