Now more than ever, curbside food drive needs support

As local food banks report a drastic increase in service need, St. Vincent Place is set to host its annual Big Blue Food Drive this weekend.

Residents who wish to take part are asked to have non-perishable donations placed in a box at the curb by 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. Program volunteers will be driving around the city to collect the donations.

High demand items listed on the St. Vincent Place website include peanut butter and jam, tea, coffee, rice, oatmeal, canned vegetables and fruit, tuna and salmon, powdered milk, juice (cans, boxes, crystals), pasta and pasta sauce, and canned soup.

Other items to assist men using the shelter include razors and shaving cream, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and winter hats and mitts or gloves.

"Last year, Sault residents answered the call in a big way, donating over $50,000 worth of goods to our food bank. This year, we’re hoping to beat that record," says a news release issued by St. Vincent Place. "Every donation we collect will be used in our food bank, where we’re seeing record-high numbers of people in need."

If your donation has not been picked up by 1 p.m. on Saturday, you can fill out this online form and a volunteer will be dispatched to collect it.

Any questions regarding this year's Big Blue Box Food Drive can be sent to [email protected]