Hundreds take bite out of hunger for 3M Harvest Lunch in St. Thomas

United Way Harvest Lunch in St. Thomas raises money for local food programs.

Hundreds took a bite out of hunger in St. Thomas on Tuesday.

The annual 3M Harvest Lunch for Elgin Middlesex was held at the Elgin County Railway Museum.

“So today we’re here at the 3M Harvest Lunch in St. Thomas. So, we’ve got a couple hundred of our local supporters who came out to have lunch and also buy a meal for a neighbour in need,” said United Way CEO Kelly Ziegner.

The Harvest Lunch campaign raises about $25,000 to support food programs across the region.

The United Way, through its partner agencies, supports about 15,000 people in Elgin County.

Ziegner said the United Way is seeing increased demand for support across the board, including housing, food security, and mental health.

“Everybody is feeling the pinch. And sometimes there’s a little more month than there is money for too many folks in our community. So having a local agency where they can go to, to get a food hamper, to get baby food or supplies really makes a big difference when times are a little tight,” said Ziegner.

Terry Bowman, Plant Director at 3M Canada, the title sponsor, says the event is the company’s way of being part of the social fabric of the community.

“Our communities have people in need, and that’s our community, so we get involved to try and make things better for the people who are having challenges,” said Bowman.