What You Can Do To Help Feed Those Less Fortunate

Gift-It.com, one of the new ways to give to Fare Share Food Banks

Cobourg: Fare Share is pleased to announce that the people service through the month of July decidedly decreased from nearly 2,500 people per month to 1,891 people served. Fare Share was able to distribute 17,380 lbs of food or nearly 9 tonnes thanks to donations received by the communities of Port Hope and Cobourg. Oddly though, when the numbers are ‘crunched’ it means that each individual received a total of only 9 lbs of food to last them the month.

Fewer clients depend on the food bank during the summer and at the same time fewer donations of food and cash are received. July was no exception. While the bank may have delivered nearly 9 tonnes of food it only took in 2.25 tonnes. Current reserves help Fare Share Food Banks manage through the summer months, but this does not mean that administrative staff can let down their guard. Back to school time sees a dramatic increase in need when school snacks and other brown bag foods are in high demand.

Recently there have been some interesting and welcome fund and food raising initiatives that have helped the bank cope with ongoing demand.

Sidewalk sales in both Port Hope and Cobourg welcomed Fare Share Food Banks resulting in contributions of nearly $2,000 plus a small amount of food donations. A VERY big thank you needs to be extended to Terry Dillon of SoundsXtreme.ca who donated 4 days of his time to bring music to the event while building awareness for the banks. Also the bank wish to thank a small army of students who canvased the area for donations and adult volunteers who assisted at the booth. Cobourg Fare Share Manager, Lori Vout said, “being a first effort for us, I think that we did very well, but Terry Dillon and the kids help provided much of the magic that made this happen”.

Another program was launched that will benefit Fare Share, that being New Amherst's opening of the Victory Garden. Executive Director, George Leger remarked at the launch, "This (garden) will help us get the raw produce we need and I thank them from the bottom of our heart." Residents of the community have designated several garden plots and will be working their own plots and sharing the produce with Fare Share.

Gift-It is yet another exciting avenue to give. Launched regionally in August this year Gift-it.com allows people to list and sell their stuff on an eBay or Kijiji-like service yet sends the proceeds of the sale to the seller's charity of choice. In exchange the charity will grant the seller a tax receipt. “We are hoping that people will clean their basements and garages in support of Fare Share”, says Fare Share communications manager, Peter Gabany.

And finally, long time Fare Share Food Banks supporter, eagle.ca has aligned themselves with Kawartha Durham Kart Club. They will be holding a Charity Karting Challenge, Sunday, August 12th at Kawartha Speedway with proceeds going to the food banks. Bring some food and exchange it for some real fun at the track.

And finally, able residents of Cobourg, Port Hope and area are encouraged to remember Fare Share on their trip to Foodland, Metro Stores in Cobourg or Port Hope, No Frills, Davis Independant, Herma's Fine Foods to drop off much needed foods. People can also check fareshare.ca who regularly publish a shopping list of the foods needed and can always give online at Fare Share's website.