Last year, Parkview United Church hit the 700 mark in their inaugural food drive for Stratford House of Blessing.
That's 700 pounds of food and more than $700 dollars donated to the city food bank.
The church is hoping to better those totals when the second annual food drive is held June 10 (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and June 11 (9 a.m. to Noon).
"Last year was the first and what a great response," said Richard Cook.
Cook said the number of people using the local food bank has increased significantly since the pandemic.
"We found out June and July are some of the highest needs times for people that need to use the food bank. People's minds are elsewhere, kids are done school, they are going on some holidays, people in need doesn't really figure very high in the priority list."
The weekend dates help fill the gap at the food bank during the summer months, he said.
Organizers have a few new things in the works, including the use of the food bank's van to store everything for the drive over. They can also accept new, fresh produce, however, that will have to go directly to Stratford House of Blessing, which has the capacity to store fresh foods.
"We don't have the fridges and freezer space at the church," Cook said.
Also new this year is a free lunch, with a donation, that includes hot dogs and frezees for kids and "kids at heart".
Stratford radio station CJCS are broadcasting live on June 10 to help get the word out.
Anyone that can't make it out can have their items picked up on the Friday before if arrangements are made with the church.
House of Blessing will offer a tax receipt for donations in excess of $10.
We are hoping it will be bigger and better this year and we will be able to support House of Blessing as best we can.
For more information you can contact Cook directly at 519-504-0494.
