Food supply is on its way to Penticton’s most vulnerable community members thanks to Junior Chamber International (JCI) and the upcoming ValleyWide Food Drive.
The fifth annual city-wide giveback is launching on April 9 at the southeast corner of Cherry Lane Mall, courtesy of JCI Penticton and its donation dropoff event.
Donations this year will be given to two different local organizations — Fill the Food Gap Penticton and Purple Pantry.
“JCI Penticton is excited to be running the ValleyWide Food Drive,” said Stuart Knott, the event’s organizer.
“We are part of this community and are here to help those who need it the most.”
The event has grown every year since its launch in 2018, with the JCI raising over 3,800 pounds of food last March.
“We started this event five years ago and the community really got behind it so we wanted to try and keep it going as the need is greater than ever,” Knott added.
READ ALSO: Over 3,800 pounds raised by Penticton Junior Chamber International food drive
Tents will be set up at Cherry Lane’s parking lot for people to drive up to and drop off their donations, with JCI Penticton listing the following as the most needed items:
• Pork and beans
• Chef Boyardee
• Canned meats
• Pasta sauce
• Canned fruit
• Rice
• Soup
• Small juice boxes
• Bottled water
• Peanut butter
• Cereal
• Kid’s snack
• Lunch items
The Penticton-based food drive will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. on April 9.
People interested in learning more about this year’s event are asked to email Knott at stuartrknott@gmail.com.
READ MORE: Fresh food shortages hit Penticton food banks
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