Local food bank users will now have access to more healthy food thanks to a partnership with Thrifty Foods.
“I’m pleased to say that Thrifty Foods is partnering with us in our Healthy Choices, food re-purposing program starting August 2,” said Salvation Army Food Bank co-ordinator Trina Jiggins of a project long in the works.
A key issue was developing a cold storage space, which they were recently able to complete with funds donated after a recent article in The NEWS, Jiggins said.
She had previously explained that grocery stores have to throw away large amounts of good food that is too close to its best before date to sell, but because the food bank is not selling the food, they have more flexibility. Following Food Bank Canada guidelines they can give out still safe, perishable food as much as two weeks after stores can sell it.
Jiggins reminds people that along with grocery store perishables, they are also happy to accept donations of fresh produce from local gardens.
The French Creek Salvation Army location will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the expanded program on August 16. For more information or to donate call 250-248-8794 or stop by the food bank at 886 Wembley Road in French Creek. The food bank is open for donations Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
