Woodstock and area churches hoping to surpass 10,000 and 11,000 pounds of food collected in 2022 and 2023, respectively for the Valley Food Bank
As the Valley Food Bank faces the challenge of feeding struggling Upper St. John River Valley families, Woodstock-area churches are once again reaching out to their members and the community to show their “love and generosity.”
This September, churches across the Maritimes, including the Woodstock area, will host the third annual Love Atlantic food drive.
Rev. Neil Horner, associate pastor of Woodstock Wesleyan Church, said several local churches hope to build upon the past two years’ success.
“Love Atlantic is a movement of Maritime churches to get out and serve their communities with love and generosity and service,” Horner explained.
He said that over the past two years, several area churches have worked together to organize a food drive to support Valley Food Bank.
“With the support of our community, we have been able to collect over 10,000 pounds and 11,000 pounds of food the past two years.” Horner said. “We will be doing this again in September, with flyers to notify the community going out on Sept. 22, and food being picked up between 5:30 and 7:30 (p.m.) on Sept. 25. “
As she accepted the donations raised through Love Atlantic last year, Valley Food Bank executive director Monica Grant said the food bank could not fulfill its mandate without the generosity of churches, service organizations, businesses, individuals, and others.
Horner said the Love Atlantic organizers understand that the Valley Food Bank’s year-round challenges increase significantly heading into winter and the Christmas season.
“We can’t wait to partner with our community to give our food bank a lift as they head into the fall and Christmas season,” he said.
Grant explained that while providing food security to struggling people and families remains the Valley Food Bank’s core mandate, their clients’ needs stretch well beyond the dinner table.
She said clients need personal grooming items, noting deodorant as an example. Grant said soap, shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, razors, laundry soap, and Kleenex are always in short supply. While can goods are a staple in food hampers, their clients need can openers.
Whether it’s a donation of the needed items or cash to purchase what’s in short supply, community support helps the VFB meet the growing needs of its clients.
