This year has been especially difficult for food banks across the country. According to the latest HungerCount, food bank visits have increased by over 20 per cent since 2019, with over 1.3 million visits to food banks in March 2021 alone. But thanks to the support of our partners and the generosity of Canadians across the country, food banks can continue to help those living with food insecurity.
 
Here are some of the items food banks need the most this holiday season:
 
Whole grain foods like oatmeal, barley, high-fibre cereals or whole-grain pasta contain plenty of fibre and are an excellent source of minerals like magnesium and iron. Food banks with meal programs will use them in their kitchens to create fresh meals for their clients.
 
Lean proteins from foods like canned tuna and chicken; plant proteins like peanut butter, beans, and lentils; or more complete proteins contained in other canned meats help in the maintenance of body tissue and contribute to a feeling of satiety. Nut butters are a favourite because they’re a versatile ingredient in snacks and meals.
 
Canned fruit is high in vitamin C and dietary fibre. Likewise, if they’re free of added salt and sugars, studies suggest that frozen and canned vegetables are often as good as fresh produce.
 
Milk alternatives like shelf stable milk, powdered milk, almond milk, and rice milk from the grocery store shelf contain vitamin D, vitamin A, and, most importantly, calcium.
 
Monetary donations are by far the best donation you can make to your local food bank. Financial donations give food banks the flexibility to buy fresh perishables for their hampers or load up on items they’re not getting enough of.
 
Making a trip to the grocery store this holiday season? Pick something up for yourself and Canadians in need, during these critical times. Donate at any participating Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Your Independent Grocer, Atlantic Superstore, Zehrs, Dominion or Valu-Mart store during the Loblaw Holiday Food Drive. 100% of food and funds raised goes to your local food bank!
 
Loblaw Companies has been a long-standing partner of Food Banks Canada. Since the beginning of their partnership in 2014, its stores have donated 31,470,779 lbs of food to food banks across the country.
 
And this partnership is as important to them as it is for us. Tonya Lagrasta, Senior Director, Corporate Social Responsibility at Loblaw tells us about the importance of supporting food banks: “Now more than ever, Canadians facing food insecurity need our help. Food banks across the country have faced an unprecedented rise in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At Loblaw, we believe we have a responsibility to help all Canadians live life well, which is why we are committed to supporting Food Banks Canada and the local food banks who provide critical services to our fellow community members in need.”
 
The Loblaw Holiday Food Drive begins on November 29 in Quebec and December 2 in the rest of Canada and runs until December 24 2021.