Is New West up to the challenge?
The mayors of New Westminster, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Vancouver, White Rock and the City of North Vancouver are challenging their communities to help local food banks in their efforts to feed people in need. The Mayors’ Food Bank Challenge, running from May 1 to 31, is a friendly competition between cities to see who can raise the most money per capita, with an overall campaign goal of $500,000.
“The food bank does a lot to improve food security and support residents in need in New Westminster,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “Our community was very generous last year, and I hope we can come together again this year and help New Westminster win this fun but important challenge.”
The City of North Vancouver, led by Mayor Linda Buchanan, won the 2021 Mayors’ Food Bank Challenge by raising $68,905 total money and food raised, equating to $1.20 raised per capita.
According to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, value per capita will be determined by combining cash raised and food value ($2.62 for each pound of food collected), and then dividing that total by the 2016 Census population data for each city.
To donate, go to mayorschallenge.foodbank.bc.ca.
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank provides assistance to more than 10,000 people each month through direct distribution in New Westminster, Burnaby, Vancouver and the North Shore. It states 25% of its clients are children and 17% are seniors.
The GVFB also provides food support to 119 community agencies throughout these communities, such as housing agencies, women and children’s shelters, transition houses and after-school programs.
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email [email protected]
