A slew of fresh Red Jonagold apples and Swiss Chard were dropped off at the Sidney Lions Food Bank this week by the District of North Saanich.
The municipality has their own edible garden at the municipal hall where they grow several varieties of vegetables and an orchard where they grow different types of apples.
“We’ve been doing this for about four years,” said North Saanich Mayor Alice Finall.
“In June we had lots of beautiful butter lettuce and now we have this beautiful chard and the apples,” Finall continued. “It’s wonderful to be able to provide this kind of nutritious, fresh food to people who need it.”
Food Bank Administrator Bev Elder said that donations of good, fresh food (no fallen apples or overripe fresh fruit like plums) make a big difference in what the food bank is able to give out.
“Fresh produce is so expensive to buy and getting donations like this of fresh vegetables and fruit extends someone’s food budget,” she said.
Elder said that, contrary to popular belief, the food bank accepts donations of fresh food and not just non-perishable items.
“We have the cooler storage to accept fresh food now, so it’s always nice to have people donating fresh items,” she said.
Other items the food bank needs most are things like personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, etc.)
“Those are things that can break a budget so those are always great donations as well,” she said.
Donations can be made at the Sidney Lions Food Bank (9586 5th St.) between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday to Friday.
For more information call 250-655-0679.
reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com
