If you visit the grocery store today, you’re sure to be in for a surprise — and you can also help stock the SHARE food bank.
Coquitlam RCMP, along with Metro Vancouver Transit Police and SHARE Family and Community Services are hoping to pack a police cruiser with non-perishable food items, as well as grocery gift cards and cash donations.
A cruiser will be parked from 2 to 6 p.m. today, July 25, at the Coquitlam Save-On-Foods at 3025 Lougheed Hwy. and another at the Port Coquitlam Safeway at 2859 Shaughnessy St.
“Food bank services can act as a lifeline for families,” said Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins, adding the need is especially great during the summer months when donations drop off.
“We want to be able to support them all year-round.”
Claire Maclean, the CEO of SHARE Society, said its food bank has seen a 48 per cent increase in families seeking help over last year.
“So many members of our community are struggling to get by,” she said.
“Children are going hungry, seniors are limiting their meals and families simple do not have enough.”
Items that are in particular need include:
- canned diced tomatoes or chunky tomato sauce
- canned vegetables like corn or mushrooms
- canned fruit
- canned tuna or ham
- canned meals like beans in tomato sauce, chili or stews
- breakfast cereal
- rice
- cooking oil
- large-sized diapers
