The Cambridge Food Bank statistics are staggering.
From January to May, the food bank has seen a 64 per cent increase in the number of children seeking support. In exact numbers, that’s 5,228 children this year compared 3,196 from this time a year ago.
That’s why a group coined the Cambridge Food Drive Initiative, led by resident Jamie Colwell, is stepping up.
Colwell says the idea came to them after hearing directly from the food bank about children's items it needed.
"No child should go to school hungry," Colwell said.
"With the rise in the food bank's needs, which is higher than last year, we felt this was the least we could do."
Established in 2022, the community group banded together to raise $5,700 dollars to help purchase a skid each of fruit cups and peanut butter, along with an additional $5,000 worth of food donations.
This year the group’s goal is to raise money and collect donations for nut free bars, fruit cups, cereal, tuna and peanut butter.
They’re currently seeking support and volunteers for food drives on July 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30.
"People can volunteer by joining us at an in-person location, by making calls, sharing posts from social media or donating nut free bars, fruit cups, peanut butter, tuna or cereal," Colwell said.
"They can also donate monetary amounts to help us reach our goal of 5600 lbs of food."
Colwell hopes the community understands that the food bank is a critical resource for people. Having needed it in the past, he knows firsthand how important it is to the community.
"The food bank isn't just a place for food, it's so much more," he said.
"For me it was a place I needed many years ago, which left a lasting impression. Now that I'm more fortunate than some, I'm able to give back to the community I care so much about."
For more information on the Cambridge Food Bank Initiative visit their Facebook page.
