Moose FM Holding Food Drive December 5th

Moose FM’s Radiothon is fast approaching!

The Radiothon will be running from 6am till 6pm on Thursday December 5th raising money for the Madawaksa Valley Food Bank. Food Bank Director Terry Newcombe says this year the goal is $13,000. He says in the past they set goals of 4-5 thousand dollars. He says they have been exceptionally fortunate the last two years, raising almost triple that. He says he is confident that the same target can be hit this year.

Newcombe says there are several ways to donate this year. You can hand in non-perishable food, or bring in a check or cash in person the day of the Radiothon. He says you can also e-transfer your donation to [email protected]. Checks can be dropped off at Gift it Gray during normal business hours as well. He also says there are links on the Food Bank’s Facebook page for giving by Paypal or Canada Helps. 

Food accepted during the drive includes canned goods like stews, beans, and vegetables or any dry goods like cereals, flour, sugars, coffee and pasta. The Grow-A-Row Program will also be accepting seed donations.

Newcombe says more people use the food bank during the holiday season. He says that during the year the food bank serves anywhere from 35 to 50 families, and that need only doubles in December. He says during Christmas time there is a lot of need for food. He says food runs out with guests and travelling, and the goal is simply what he calls “Less hungry tummies”.  He also says usage has grown over the years, with more of the working poor accessing the bank. He says half the people who come have $100 left in savings after they pay for basic expenses like rent, heat and hydro. Single seniors also come in quite a bit. However, he also says half of people who come to the food bank come three times a year or less.