The Port Alberni Community Food Bank is $1,000 richer, thanks to a promotion and donation from Save-On-Foods.
From June 15–17, anytime someone purchased a Western Family product at Save-On-Foods, 25 percent of the price went toward a new “Sharing it Forward” program to a maximum of $1,000.
“It was a great success,” Port Alberni Save-On-Foods manager Paul Anacleto said. “Our company donated up to $250,000 to local food banks.”
Although this was the first time Save-On-Foods had done such a promotion, Anacleto said the company will do something similar again. “Save-On-Foods is big on supporting local,” he said.
The donation will be used for the summer breakfast and lunch program called “In the Sun”, says Marilyn Burrows from the Salvation Army, which looks after the food bank. “Once school is closed for the summer we offer a bagged lunch and breakfast for each child, and it does include protein and fresh produce,” she said.
Donations such as the one from Save-On-Foods’ Sharing it Forward program are much appreciated, Burrows added, because the food bank is busy these days. “Since we’ve moved (to Argyle Street) it’s doubled. We’re grateful for stores like Save-On-Foods for the help.”
Grocery stores also contribute other items to the food bank on a regular basis, she said. There is always a need for food items, especially breakfast food.
Anyone wanting more information on the food bank can call the Salvation Army front desk at 250-723-6913.