LAURIE WEIR
The 2024 Build a Mountain of Food campaign is set to kick off its 17th annual food drive on Saturday, Nov. 9, with initial stops in Almonte and Carleton Place. This initiative aims to support local food banks across 11 communities.
To date, the food drive has collected 2.1 million pounds of food, and nearly $1.7 million in cash donations. This drive supports the local food banks with 100 per cent of all food and cash raised on the day.
Local food banks play a crucial role in addressing hunger in the region, assisting a diverse population that includes seniors, single parents, the working poor, and many children.
Supporting Local Communities
The Build a Mountain of Food Campaign will span 11 towns and villages, including Almonte, Carleton Place, Perth, Lanark, Smiths Falls, Westport, Elgin, Portland, Merrickville, Athens, and Delta. A series of food blitz days will be organized at various grocery stores to encourage donations of food and cash. All contributions made will remain within the respective communities.
Ongoing Coverage
Regular coverage will be posted by myFM 88.1 with promotional announcements and weekly on-air interviews featuring local food bank representatives, along with reports from food blitz locations. Your TV will also offer continued coverage of the campaign, as will Hometown News, both online and in print.
Additionally, the Build a Mountain of Food Facebook page will provide extensive video coverage, including live streaming from all campaign locations and special interviews with contributing businesses and community organizations.
Join the Effort
The campaign encourages community members to engage through Facebook Live, allowing participants to view and share the event from anywhere at any time. To stay updated, use the hashtag #BAM for the latest developments.
Important Dates
Saturday, Nov. 9
Almonte: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jonsson’s YIG.
In support of the Lanark County Food Bank (The Hunger Stop).
Carleton Place: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mitchell’s YIG, FreshCo, and Giant Tiger.
In support of the Lanark County Food Bank (The Hunger Stop).
Saturday, Nov. 16
Perth: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Metro Perth, Barnabe’s Your Independent Grocer, Foodsmiths, and Giant Tiger.
In support of the Perth Good Food Bank.
Lanark: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Lanark Civitan Hall.
In support of the Lanark Highlands Food Pantry.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Smiths Falls: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jonsson’s YIG, Food Basics, The Garden Market, and Giant Tiger.
In support of the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Elgin: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Gordanier Freshmart.
In support of the Elgin Food Bank.
Westport: 12 to 4 p.m., at Kudrinko’s.
In support of the Westport Food Bank.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Portland: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Portland LCBO and RBC.
In support of the Portland Food Bank.
Merrickville: 1 to 4 p.m., at the Merrickville Food Market.
In support of the Merrickville Lions Club Christmas Food Hamper Campaign.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Athens: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Athens Fresh Market.
In support of the Athens Food Bank.
Delta: 1 to 4 p.m. at the Delta Country Market.
In support of the Delta Food Bank.
