Interfaith Food Bank needs more donations

By Lethbridge Herald on December 20, 2023.

Local food banks are in full swing with the holiday season here as they help many families that will need assistance this Christmas.
Interfaith Food Bank is calling upon the community to contribute food and funds this week, with the final day for hampers going out to families on Friday.
“We are almost entirely volunteer run and sustained by community donations. We’ve seen exponential need this year, and are hoping the citizens of Lethbridge and area will help with a last rush of donations to help us meet that need,” says Danielle McIntyre, executive director with the food bank in a press release.
“We’re close to our fundraising goal of $350,000 for our annual Christmas campaign, and do have some time left before the end of the year, but we’ve received just over $250,000 so far and are crossing our fingers that $100,000 more will come in before December 31st.”
The food bank has pre-purchased many hams, chickens and turkeys along with other non-perishable goods to include with hampers, but because of client numbers to date, it expect to serve more than originally planned.
“We estimated we would serve 1,000 households with hampers this Christmas, but we start early with our planning. If November hamper numbers are an indicator, we’ll see closer to 1,200 if not more,” says McIntyre.
“We’re hoping to see a few more of our most wanted items to be donated this week.”
Interfaith Food Bank will close for the holidays at 2 p.m. on Friday and will return to regular operating hours on Jan. 3.
During the closure, emergency food hampers will be provided to Streets Alive to assist with any last-minute emergencies and the food bank will post information on where community members can seek emergency food support or free Christmas meals during the holiday break.

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