Local food bank hosts annual Thanksgiving Food Drive

Volunteers at the Alliston Food Bank's annual Thanksgiving Food Drive in Alliston, Ont., on Sat., Oct. 12, 2024 (Source: Alliston Food Bank/Supplied)

Food and financial donations are being collected across New Tecumseth by the Alliston Food Bank on Saturday for its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Along with Nottawasaga OPP and Landmark Bus Lines, 38 volunteers are helping the Alliston Food Bank collect donations at the nearby FreshCo and Zehrs.

"Thanksgiving is one of our busiest times of year," said Jaime Karsch, the food bank's executive director, in a statement to CTV News. "We rely on the generosity of the public to donate and keep our doors open."

Volunteers are collecting non-perishable food items such as canned chili, stew, canned fruit, juice boxes, canned fish, peanut butter, long pasta, rice and condiments.

The annual Thanksgiving Food Drive began in 1995, distributing paper bags in the local newspaper for readers to fill, and has since moved into local grocery stores.

"We collected thousands of dollars and thousands of pounds each Thanksgiving," added Karsch. "I would personally like to thank each and every volunteer who took time away from their Thanksgiving to donate their time. We couldn't do it without you."

The donations will support the many seniors, families, people with disabilities and others served by the Alliston Food Bank who have difficulty affording groceries. 30 per cent of clients are under the age of 18.

The annual Thanksgiving Food Drive runs until 4 p.m. on Saturday. FreshCo and Zehrs are also selling pre-packaged bags throughout the weekend.