Cambridge Food Bank's spring food and fund drive aims to keep shelves stocked this summer

Spring is in full swing and so is the Cambridge Food Bank’s Spring into Action Food and Fund Drive.

Kicking off last month, Sarah Tooze, donor development manager at the Cambridge Food Bank, says she hopes the drive will keep the momentum going as the need for food continues to grow.  

“We had 200 more people show up in March this year than in the last two previous months. That is a big difference for us,” Tooze said.

“People tend to think of the Food Bank more so during the Christmas holidays that’s why want to shed light on the fact that people are hungry all year round. It’s not just during typical times of the year.”

One of the biggest challenges food banks continue to face is an inconsistent flow of donations during the spring and summer months.  

And with inflationary food costs, the Food Bank is seeing a significant decrease in donation bins in grocery stores.

“I understand why with all of the rising food costs. We expect this year to be especially challenging for families living with low incomes and who are still experiencing the effects of the pandemic,” Tooze said.

“But we are hoping people can help and drop items off, no matter how small. Every little bit counts. If someone can’t afford their typical donation, anything is appreciated.”

For those wanting to make a food donation, most needed items include, fresh produce, canned fruit, cereal, sandwich spreads, school snacks and canned fish and meat.

The Cambridge Food Bank continues to accept financial donations so more food can be purchased to help restock shelves.

Since the pandemic, the Cambridge Food Bank is excited to have the Community Pantry back in operation for those in need.

“And we are really excited about promoting this option, one that people don’t typically think we offer, and that is that we accept donations of fresh foods, vegetables, fruits, and meats. People are really responding to this which is so exciting,” Tooze said.

At the Cambridge Food Bank, increased access to fresh food can be as simple as planting ‘one extra row’.

Last month, The Idea Exchange kicked off its annual seed library with free seed kits that anyone can start indoors.

The One Seed, One Community program, promotes the shared experience of planting and caring for plants, harvesting and preparing food, and encouraging gardeners to donate the harvest to the Cambridge Self Help Food Bank.

“People can pick up seeds and we encourage them to grow for their own family, and maybe an extra one for us. They can then bring in the produce at harvest time. It’s an exciting way to get the kids involved as well,” Tooze said.

The Cambridge Food Bank’s Spring into Action Food and Fund Drive runs until May 31.

People can support the drive by: donating food in bins at participating grocery stores, donating directly at the Cambridge Food Bank at 54 Ainslie Street, donating online, organizing a food drive, or by sponsoring a food hamper.

For more information or to make a financial donation, visit here.