A grocery store chain is making it easier for customers to donate to local food banks.
Thunder Bay’s three Safeway grocery store locations are selling care packages throughout the month in support of the Regional Food Distribution Association.
There are two different types of packs available, one for $5 and a larger one for $10.
“What Safeway has done has combined some of the most needy foods into a convenient care pack and they’re at the end of every one of our checkstands. It’s a very easy thing to give,” said Cindy Normand, store manager of the Court Street location on Tuesday.
Included in the packages are items rich in carbohydrates and protein, such as beans, pasta and canned vegetables.
Brendan Carlin, the administrative and volunteer coordinator for the RFDA, said the initiative is helping the organization meet their targets with other donations being down.
“Anything that makes it simpler for us we certainly love,” Carlin said.
“Often the need is greater at (holiday) time. We think we’re doing okay, but programs like these are definitely helping.”
The company is offering five bonus Air Miles for the basic package and 10 bonus Air Miles for the larger offering to help drive the initiative.
Normand said the drive has been well-received by customers, who appreciate the ease and convenience of the donations already prepared.
The stores accept donations in support of the RFDA throughout the year with daily pickups.
“We sell food, we’re in the food business and we see the need,” Normand said. “For us, it means we’re taking a big part in the community we serve. A lot of these folks are our customers that are very needy and it sets the tone for the festive season.”
The two organizations will be partnering again this weekend at the Arthur Street Safeway location for a Stuff A Cruiser event.
