Food banks in Drayton and Palmerston got a boost this spring, thanks to the Wellington Junior Farmers and the community.
On March 21, the Junior Farmers hosted a spaghetti dinner at the Drayton Agricultural Hall. For $5 plus a canned food donation, guests were treated to an all-they-could eat meal. All money raised and food donations were divided between the two food banks just in time for Easter.
“It’s wonderful. We need clubs to keep doing this,” said Jerred Kuper, of the Drayton Food Bank.
Approximately 100 people attended the dinner, and by the end of the night there were four full boxes of food donations. According to Kuper, the timing is perfect. The Easter food baskets would have depleted their supplies.
This was the third annual spaghetti dinner, and the second year which supported the food bank. Last year, several boxes of food were donated, along with $200. This year the club’s goal was to increase revenues and support two food banks.
“It was a great turnout. I think we did very well this year,” said Jen Dane, Wellington Junior Farmers president.
The community has been big supporters of the event, with sponsorship coming from C&M Seeds, Crabby Joe’s, Gay Lea, Imperial Produce and the Palmerston L&M Market.
Those donors made it possible for the club to offer affordable meals while still making money to donate. Members voted to keep ticket prices low to encourage more canned food donations.
Kuper noted that although there has been an increased need at the food bank lately, there is also an increase in donations. Service clubs have been a large help in keeping the shelves stocked.
“People seem to realize there’s more of a need right now. The community’s thinking of the food bank,” said Kuper.
A representative from the Palmerston Food Bank could not attend the event, but it will have the food delivered to ensure it reaches the shelves as soon as possible.
For more information on how to donate to a food bank, contact the Chamber of Commerce for phone numbers and location information. For more information on Wellington Junior Farmers, call Jen Dane at 519-335-6999 or email wellingtonjf@jfao.on.ca.
