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Battlefords and Meadow Lake challenge P.A. in food drive project

May 18, 2018 | 2:00 PM

The food banks in Meadow Lake and North Battleford have issued a challenge to Prince Albert, in the name of friendly competition and collecting as many donations as possible.

As a part of the upcoming Every Plate Full nationwide initiative, Meadow Lake’s Door of Hope and North Battleford’s Empty Stocking Fund are joining forces to face off against the Prince Albert Food Bank to see who can collect more. This event also coincides with the annual drives in Meadow Lake and North Battleford, both of which take place next week. Prince Albert also has a Fill-a-Bus campaign coming next weekend.

Unita Esau, executive director of the Door of Hope, said she believes the competition will encourage more participation.

“If people know it’s a competition, they’re more likely to get into the spirit of it,” she said. “We know if we get together with North Battleford we’re going to whip P.A. That’s our plan, and their plan is the do the same to us.”

While the food bank always accepts non-perishable and easy-to-prepare foods, there are certain items they’re hoping to see more of this year.

“We really need canned meat and fish, pork and beans, canned fruit and canned vegetables,” Esau said.

Erin Katerynych, executive director of the Empty Stocking Fund in North Battleford, said this is her first time competing with other food banks, but it’s perfect timing as their donations tend to deplete faster during the warmer months.

“We’re trying to raise enough food and funds to carry us through the summer,” Katerynych said. “As everybody knows, hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation, and with schools out we do have a tendency to see a lot more kids and families that access the food bank.”

Even though Prince Albert’s population is higher than Meadow Lake and the Battlefords combined, she said it should be a great way to promote the causes in every city.

“I personally think that Meadow Lake and North Battleford will win,” Katerynych said with a chuckle.

Meadow Lake’s food drive takes place Wednesday, May 23, while North Battleford’s is happening Saturday, May 26.

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath