Local food banks need donations

WHEATLEY/LEAMINGTON/KINGSVILLE — Two massive food drives in Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex collected almost three million pounds of food, and about four months later, some local food banks are in need of food donations.

The May 16 Miracle in Chatham-Kent set a new record for food collected in one day, with upwards of 500,000 pounds. It was followed by the June 27 Miracle in Windsor-Essex — an event that shattered that record, collecting two million pounds of food for the hungry.

It’s now October and the Wheatley Area Food Bank is in need of donations.

According to Susan Fulmer from the food bank, their location is in need of canned meats, canned fruit, juice, soda crackers, peanut butter, jam, cereal, cookies, Sidekicks, instant oatmeal and soup.

Any extra that you can spare can be dropped off at the Wheatley Baptist Church on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 am. You can also call the Food Bank at 519-825- 7433, extension 4, to make other arrangements.

The Kingsville Community Food Bank is also looking for donations of canned flakes of ham and chicken, pudding cups, fruit cups, canned green beans, snack bars and hygiene products. They are open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am – 12:45 pm and on Wednesdays from 5-7pm. They’re at 18 Division St. North.

Over in Leamington, the Salvation Army Food Bank is accepting emergency food appointments only and ask that you call 519-326-4901 to make an appointment.

The Leamington Society of St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank at St. Michael’s Church has plenty of food in their pantry and invites those in need to make their way to the church. They are open on Wednesdays from 12-1 pm and 5-6 pm, and Saturdays 10am to 12 noon.