Food Banks Canada hoping for full shelves this summer

Food bank donations typically drop - significantly - during the summer, according to Food Banks Canada. A campaign is underway for the month of May. (Photo: Kelly Roche/QEW South Post) — Food bank donations typically drop – significantly – during the summer, according to Food Banks Canada. The EveryPlateFull campaign is underway for the month of May. (Photo: Kelly Roche/QEW South Post)

More than 120 food banks across Canada are collecting items and funds this month to ensure shelves are full during the summer.

“Over 918,000 men, women and children will have a really difficult time accessing enough food during the summer months,” said Food Banks Canada executive director Pam Jolliffe.

“In turn, food banks will also find themselves under strain to meet the need as food bank shelves slowly get bare.”

The second annual EveryPlateFull campaign is urging Canadians to address the 26,548,725 summer meal gap that’s facing those struggling with hunger.

Food donations are at their lowest from June to August, however, the demand is still high.

To show support and raise awareness, Food Banks Canada is asking Canadians to support their local food bank in a number of ways:

Spreading the word on social media using #EveryPlateFull
Starting a campaign page at http://www.everyplatefull.ca to encourage donations from friends, family and peers
Making a monetary donation through http://www.everyplatefull.ca to a participating food bank or provincial food bank association.

@qewsouthpost