This weekend is a big one for the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank.
The first annual Servus Credit Union Spring Food Drive will get going on Saturday (April 1) and Sunday, collecting donations at just about every major grocery store in the city.
The drive is pivotal for the food bank, as they are going through one of the toughest times of the year.
"We are really excited about this," said Kassandra Gartner, the executive director of the food bank. "It has just been an awesome experience with planning and getting everything put together for a city-wide food drive."
It will be easier than ever to donate to the food bank during the drive with Freson Bros, Co-op, No Frills, Safeway, and Walmart all participating.
"Everybody has pulled together to make it happen and to make it convenient to donate," said Gartner.
The top item of need for the food bank for this drive is cash, so that they can buy food to stock their shelves. The organization needs plenty of food items as well.
At the moment, the food bank is completely out of canned fruit and ready-to-eat soups and chillis, so those are at the top of their list.
They are also looking for:
- Kraft Dinner
- Beans in sauce
- Sidekicks — noodles or rice
- Canned meat — turkey, ham or chicken
- Pasta sauce
- Rice
- Mr. Noodles or ramen soup
- Cookies
- Juice
- Healthy cereal
- Toiletries / personal care items
Shoppers who want to contribute to the drive will be provided with all the necessary tools to do so as well.
"Our volunteers will have shopping lists that you can take into the stores and the stores will be well-stocked with our most needed items."
Speaking of volunteers, the food bank is still looking for people to help out during the event.
To get involved you can get more details on the food bank's Facebook page, or you can send an email to fortsaskfoodbank.volsched@gmail.com.
"It's an awesome opportunity for parents to volunteer with their youth, for sports teams, for community groups."
The event is presented by Servus Credit Union, PME Inc., the Bridge Church, and MIX 107.
"We're looking forward to a terrific weekend and seeing our community come out to support us."
COBS Bread Fort Saskatchewan will also be collecting donations for the food bank on Saturday. They are aiming to raise $2,500.
The food drive will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days.