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Food drive restocks Fareshare by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff 19 | Friday, April 4, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com With Fareshare's Easter food drive starting Saturday (April 5), the local food bank's volunteers are hoping Oakville residents will once again come through for those in need. Food drive and volunteer co-ordinator Ron Ziegel says the response leading up to the Easter drive kickoff has been low compared to previous years. Nancy Bromberg, Fareshare volunteer president, told the Oakville Beaver the Easter food drive is one of the most important for Fareshare, which currently serves 350-400 families (approximately 1,200 people) every month. "The food bank is very dependent on the Easter food drive, as the food collected at this time of year has to last until the Thanksgiving food drive, which is six months after," she said. This year, the Easter drive starts Saturday and runs until April 19, with drop-off bins at all Oakville grocery stores, fire stations and Fareshare at 1240 Speers Rd., Unit 6. The food bank is particularly short of: peanut butter (500 gram jars); powdered laundry soap; soda crackers (four sleeves); rice/pasta side dishes; cookies, crackers and desserts; tea (regular and herbal); jam and cold cereal; diapers (No. 5 and 6); baby cereal and biscuits; and instant coffee. Canned items are also needed, including ham (small and large), salmon, potatoes, tomatoes, chunky stew, peas, and pasta -- as well as, kids snacks such as juice boxes, pudding and fruit cups, raisins (small boxes), and rice-crisp squares. Monetary donations are also accepted as they are vital to the food bank's existence, according to Fareshare organizers. Donations are used to buy perishable food items, such as chicken, ground beef, ham, fish, cheese and fresh and frozen vegetables and fruit. "We have been very fortunate to be able to add a number of fresh offerings to our grocery cart," said Bromberg. Items such as apples, oranges, bananas, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and onions are now a regular staple of the food bank along with the non-perishables collected in food drives. As well, a large portion of the money pays for vouchers provided to families with children to use at local supermarkets for items such as milk and eggs. The food bank is open to its clients on Mondays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. All clients are initially interviewed to ensure they qualify and then regularly to determine if their circumstances have changed. For more information, visit Fareshare's website at www.oakvillefoodbank.com. Friday 5pm-9pm · Saturday 10am-5pm · Sunday 10am-5pm Careport Centre, Hamilton April 4 to 6 The Ultimate Girl's Weekend! ERIN KEANEY Live on VIP night Known for the viral video hit "Muffin Top Rap" Catch the hilarious Meet Fashion Designer LINDA LUNDSTRÖM at the show all weekend! On stage Saturday at 3pm. · VIP NIGHT - Friday 5pm-9pm · BEAUTY BAR · RED CARPET PHOTO SHOOT · FITNESS DEMOS · SPRING RUNWAY TRENDS · ENTER THE FRESH LOOK CONTEST · TAKE THE CUPCAKE CHALLENGE BLOWOUT SALE WINTER & SUMMER STYLES 1000'S OF STYLES, WOMEN'S, PETITE'S, AND SAMPLE SIZES 2500 SQ/FT OF SELECT FOOTWEAR UP TO Proud To Support 70 - 90% OFF 50 % OFF iamfab.ca Ladies Boutique springwomensshow.ca Interested vendors, please contact: 905-842-6591 A DIVISION OF