A community food drive is taking place Thursday, August 20, to support the Trenton Care and Share Food Bank as it continues to see growing demand for its services.
General Manager Craig Olivier says the number of families relying on the food bank has more than doubled since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Olivier arrived at the food bank in 2022, it was serving approximately 250 to 275 families each month in the Quinte West area. That number has since climbed significantly, with the food bank now averaging more than 550 families a month and reaching as many as 600 in some months.
Olivier says rising household expenses are putting additional pressure on families trying to make ends meet.
The timing of Thursday’s food drive is also important.
Olivier says August is becoming one of the food bank’s busiest months as families face the added expense of clothing and school supplies ahead of September.
Olivier says community food drives can provide an important boost, particularly because much of the charitable giving traditionally takes place later in the year.
Olivier says the food bank is grateful for the ongoing support of local businesses, service clubs, emergency services, the City of Quinte West and residents.
He adds that with demand continuing to increase alongside rising costs, the organization remains in need of both food and financial donations.
The food drive takes place Thursday, August 20, giving residents another opportunity to help support families in the Quinte West community.
