HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-10-28_MR_Food Drive
MEDIA RELEASE
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER – Once again, the Municipality of Chester will collect non-
perishable food items and cash donations for local food banks in Chester and
Hubbards. The “totally awesome and super fantastic holiday food drive” begins
Monday, October 28 and will wrap up on Thursday, December 5.
Nationally, over 863,000 Canadians use a food bank monthly in 2017. This number has
increased 28% in the last decade. In the same year, 41,000 Nova Scotians received
support, a substantial increase over the year before (23,840).
So why does the use of food banks seem to climb every year? According to United Food
and Commercial Union, the rise can largely be attributed to the significant number of
Canadians who live with food insecurity (4.8 million or 13%). Food insecurity means
they “lack reliable access to adequate amounts of safe, high quality, and nutritious
food.”
In their 2018 Report to Community, Feed Nova Scotia shares that in Nova Scotia, one
in six households (15.4%) and one in five children are food insecure. Having to choose
between bills and food is a reality for some as household expenses, like rent, climb.
How can we help?
Immediate assistance comes from individuals, farmers and organizations through the
donation of food or money that is given to food banks and Feed Nova Scotia for
distribution. Tackling the larger issue of securing food and poverty takes teamwork.
People across the Province are getting together to find solutions. Pocket communities
are taking on projects like community gardens and food education.
If you or someone you know can afford to give or have items to donate, please drop
them off at the Municipal Offices in Chester during business hours, or check
www.chester.ca/food for other locations. If you would like to be a drop-off location,
please contact the Communications Officer at 902-275-4107 or email
communications@chester.ca. We will deliver a collection box and a sign and pick up
your collected items on December 8.
DATE: October 28, 2019
SUBJECT: TOTALLY AWESOME AND SUPER
FANTASTIC HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE KICKS
OFF FIFTH YEAR
STATUS: PUBLIC –FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 Media Release/Holiday Food Drive
If you want to donate, but are having trouble knowing what to give, contact your local
food bank for food suggestions or visit https://www.foodbankscanada.ca/Get-
Involved/Support-Your-Local-Food-Bank.aspx
CONTACT INFORMATION
Allen Webber, Warden
Desk 902-275-4145
Cell 902-275-8373
awebber@chester.ca
Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer
Desk 902-275-4107
Cell 902-277-1169
jwebber@chester.ca