Essential services help essential services during while living in the trying time of the pandemic.
The B.C. Dairy Association (BCDA) recently announced a $150,000 fund to support food banks all over the province to help families in need during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The fund will be used not only to purchase dairy products and milk but any other staples needed to provide nutritious meals as identified by Food Banks B.C.
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“As farmers, we know that our communities are counting on us right now,” said Holger Schwichtenberg of Agassiz, chair of the BCDA. “We want to do our part wherever we can. B.C.’s food banks provide a critical service for B.C. families, and dairy farmers are proud to support them in their work. We hope that others will consider lending a hand if they can.”
The pandemic has placed unprecedented pressure on food banks across the province and across Canada as a whole.
“This is a very challenging time,” said Food Banks B.C. executive director Laura Lansink in a recent statement. “The needs of our communities are greater than ever before, yet we’re facing a reduction in the amount of food donations being received. We also have a shortage of volunteers as many of our regulars are seniors who much stay safe at home during this time. This generous contribution from B.C.’s dairy farmers will go a long way to make a real difference to the individuals and families we serve.”
READ ALSO: HOMEGROWN: Family traditions key to Agassiz dairy farm
In addition to the $150,000 donation,regional dairy groups are stepping up to help, including donations from farmers in the Lower Mainland and the Kamloops and Okanagan areas.
To learn how you can help Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, the local food bank, visit them online at http://agassiz-harrisoncs.ca/.
With headquarters in Burnaby, the BCDA is a province-wide not-for-profit organization advocating for B.C.’s dairy farmers and the nutritional merits of milk and dairy products. The BCDA further watches over a variety of concerns among the dairy industry, including environmental issues, animal welfare, training, regulations and much more.
Surrey-based Food Banks B.C. is a support non-profit organization supporting 100 member food banks across the province. Their mission is to “inspire, empower and support member food banks to achieve hunger-free communities.”
adam.louis@ahobserver.com
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