For close to 30 years the Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie have been leading an annual campaign to collect food for the Grande Prairie and area Salvation Army Community Food Bank.  

What began as a brown paper bag in the weekend newspaper has grown into a door-to-door campaign, collecting donations of food and items necessary for daily living for those in need.  

In 2019, over 1,000 volunteers canvassed the entire city of Grande Prairie and nearby county residents and collected and stored 47 tons of food within 3 hours, possibly making this the largest food bank drive of its kind in Canada. 

The Rotary Community Food Bank Drive remained committed to ensuring food was available to everyone in our community and, in 2020 and 2021, launched a virtual drive to meet social distancing requirements and collected financial donations for those in need. 

Sadly, the need for the Food Bank continues to increase. Although we are only three quarters of the way through 2022, the Salvation Army has given out nearly double the number of hampers as they did in 2021. They estimate close to half the supplies given were to feed children. 

Lori Pollock, Committee Chair from the Swan City Rotary Club, said school snacks are always in need this year. 

“They need healthy nonperishable items such as canned protein, canned vegetables, canned fruit, hearty soups, and personal hygiene items.” 

This year, they are asking the community to come together on Thursday September 22. To volunteer or to donate, visit their website, www.gpfooddrive.ca.  

GP FOOD DRIVE  Photo: GP food drive FB page