THUNDER BAY - People were eager to line up to get a taste of classic summer foods from the grill but more importantly, everyone was willing to do their part to help insure everyone in the community can put food on the table.
The United Way of Thunder Bay partnered with the Regional Food Distribution Association and the Dew Drop Inn to host the second annual CommUNITY B.B.Q. on Thursday at the RFDA headquarters.
“This is truly a community effort,” said Jodie Wilson, director of philanthropy and community engagement with the United Way of Thunder Bay.
“In the United Way way this is a true collaboration. We are coming together with the RFDA and the Dew Drop Inn and we are all partnering together to put on this beautiful community B.B.Q. but we are here to raise money for food security programs.”
This year saw the addition of a 50/50 draw with a cash prize of more than $4,000, a dunk tank, and a mini donut truck providing a sweet dessert. Local celebrities also participated in the event, including the Team McCarville curling rink.
And of course, there was the grill cooking up many classic summertime favourites, including hamburgers and cheeseburgers, Dewy Dogs, bison burgers, bannock, and fries.
Wilson said the goal of the B.B.Q. was to sell 1,000 meals throughout the day to help support food security programs in the city.
“Right now, our food banks are really struggling to keep the shelves stocked. Food security programs are always one of the number one requests we as the United Way receive funding applications for,” she said.
“Food security is something we can come together as a community. We understand the need, what it means. No one should have to go hungry. It’s important for us to come together and we are all members of this community and we can be a piece of the fabric that binds this community together.”
According to Tanner Harris, food service manager with the RFDA, demand for foodbanks across the region has been increasing in the last several years and it is important to have a community effort to help keep the shelves stocked.
“The United Way is one of our big supporters, they really help us supporting new programs. And the Dew Drop Inn is one of our members and we support them. It is a collaborative effort and we are always working throughout the year and this is a way we can come together in one spot and raise money for the community,” he said.
“Especially with the pandemic lately, it has been a difficult time for more families and people. The more money we can raise today helps people in those situations that need food a little more.”
The CommUNITY B.B.Q. continues until 6 p.m. Thursday at the RFDA headquarters on Syndicate Avenue.
