Cambridge Food Drive Initiative exceeds food and fundraising goal

The Cambridge Food Drive Initiative set a lofty goal this summer in support of the Cambridge Food Bank.

Not only did the local group reach their 5,600 combined target of food and monetary donations, they well surpassed it by collecting 6,400 pounds of non-perishable items.

“Support like this is invaluable to our shared community,” Amy Slack, operations manager for the Cambridge Food Bank said.

“In 2023, hunger is in every school and every neighbourhood. For our community to thrive we need food drives, as every little bit helps. This food and fund drive was an absolute success and really gave us breathing room as we enter the back to school craze.”

To reach the impressive totals, the group led by resident Jamie Colwell ran volunteer food drives at local grocery stores throughout July and August. 

After running similar events last year and with the use of the food bank rising, Colwell knew his team needed to step up again.

From January to May, the food bank saw a 64 per cent increase in the number of children seeking support. In exact numbers, that’s 5,228 this year compared 3,196 from the same time a year ago.

“It was successful because of the volunteer engagement, food bank support and sponsors,” Colwell said of the collection days.

“We appreciate the generous support within our community."

Slack emphasizes without the support of people like Jamie the food bank would be unable to keep up with the increasing demand.

“As we continue to experience a record number of new households registering each month for food, volunteer groups like this really make a difference in what's offered on our shelves in our emergency food program,” she said.

“Our food bank would not be able to operate without volunteers. From working in our programs to running food and fund drives, we rely heavily on volunteerism.”

Supporting Slack’s team is more than just a good deed for Colwell, it's something he feels compelled to do due to his own experiences with the critical service. 

It provides him an opportunity to give back just like others have done for him.

"The food bank isn't just a place for food, it's so much more," he said.

"For me it was a place I needed many years ago, which left a lasting impression.  Now that I'm more fortunate than some, I'm able to give back to the community I care so much about.”

With two years of successful collection and fundraising under their belt, the group will be back in action again in 2024, Colwell says. Planning for next year’s drives will begin in February.

As for the food bank, Slacks says it’s still in need of peanut butter, cereal, canned meat, school snacks, canned fruit, canned vegetables, pasta and pasta sauce and hopes people will get involved if they’re able.

“Groups like Jaime’s, who come together a few hours a week to collect and socialize with the community have an impact that's immeasurable,” she said.

“Not only are we attracting new volunteers and spreading the food bank's message, but these individuals and groups generate impact that lasts far longer than those hours they've volunteered.”