Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter

Smoky River Food Bank and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) joined forces to Drive Away Hunger on Oct. 16 and they’re still accepting donations to help ensure people are comfortable and fed this winter.

“FCC runs the Drive Away Hunger every year on National Food Banks Day,” says the food bank’s Crystal Tremblay.

“This is the first time we have done one since Covid.”

Approximately 75 people attended the fundraiser to have a meal by donation or to help fill the van with supplies to stock the shelves at the food bank. Final numbers for the donations raised came in mid-November, with one larger donation still waiting to be received.

“We raised $1,725.05, with large donations from Roy Boy Farms, FCC, Richardson Pioneer,” says Tremblay.

“654 pounds of food was collected to help us fill the van,” she adds.

Smoky River Food Bank officially became a separate entity last fall to provide food solely for people in the Smoky River Region. All donations are retained for people in the area, managed by local people to help local people.

“Partnerships with other community businesses is incredibly important,” Tremblay explains.

“This allows us to advocate and promote the need for food to help fight food insecurity.”

Tremblay says there will be a few more food drives in upcoming months including Falher Horizon Co-op doing the Good Buy to Hunger Campaign and the Christmas Hamper program.

Items that are required at this time include personal hygiene items, canned meat, and canned soups.

“We notice as the cost of utilities go up with the colder weather so does the need for food bank assistance,” Tremblay says.

“We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the Drive Away Hunger program. A special thank you to the businesses that generously supported the drive, as well as to the dedicated ladies at FCC for organizing the event.”

Tremblay also extends her gratitude to Smoky River Fire and Rescue and Smoky River Transportation for their support in providing vehicles to help raise awareness for the Food Drive.